Skip to main content

Full text of "Royal Charters and Historical Documents Relating to the Town and County of ..."

See other formats 


Google 



This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project 

to make the world's books discoverable online. 

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject 

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books 

are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover. 

Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the 

publisher to a library and finally to you. 

Usage guidelines 

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the 
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to 
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying. 
We also ask that you: 

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for 
personal, non-commercial purposes. 

+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine 
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the 
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help. 

+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find 
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it. 

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just 
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other 
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of 
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner 
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe. 

About Google Book Search 

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers 
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web 

at |http: //books .google .com/I 



I 
I* 



o 



ROYAL CHARTERS 



AND 



HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS 



RBLATINO TO THE 



TOWN & COUNTY OF CARMARTHEN 



AND THE 



Jibb«5» of i^allfg and i^gfluip-ar-iaf 



A " 



^ J. R. ^ANIEL-TYSSEN, ESQ., F.S.A. 

Of Brighton 



lEDittO anO amMttattO 6s 

ALCWYN C. EVANS 

Of Carmarthen 



WILLIAM &PURRELL 
1878 



^ * ^f y, v^ 



^ ?/j/. 



^ 




/ 



PREFACE. 



The following were, through a desire expressed by Mr. A. C. 
Evans, procured at considerable expense and trouble, from the 
Record and other Offices, by J. R. Daniel-Tyssen, Esq., F. S.A., 
so well known by his many valuable contributions to the Sussex 
Archaeological Society, and that of London and Middlesex. With 
his usual liberality he sent them to Mr. Evans for publication in ^ 
the "jffawZ," a well-conducted monthly periodical printed by Mr. W. 
Spurrell at Carmarthen. The documents aflford great information 
as to the past history and privileges of this town, &c. ; and they 
are now produced in pamphlet-form, to interest those who love to 
muse on foregone times, and conduce, may be, to the preservation 
of other historical remnants, which, when taken singly,- are appa- 
rently rayless, but when collectively, may afford sufficient light to 
penetrate the gloom surrounding many past incidents. 



(|hart^r foils and %ntmt §n&^ 

RELATING TO THE TOWN AND COUNTY. OF CARMARTHEN, 



ROTULI CHARTARUM. ANNO DOMINI 1201. 2nd KING 

JOHN/ MEMB. 16. 



Confirmatio 
hominum >|0ltanttiJ8 Dei, 
de Kaermerdm. ) ^^ Justiciarijs,&c. 
Precipimus vobis quod Burgenses 
nostri de Kaermerdin sint quieti de 
theolonio* et passagio et pontagio et 
omnibus consuetudinibus per .terram 
nostram totam: et prohibemus ne quis 
eos injuste disturbet super forisfac- 
turam omnium catellor' suor', sicut 
carta Henrici Regis patris nostri 
rationabiliter testatur. 

Teste R. Sancti Andree Episcopo. 
G. filio Petri Comitis Essexie. 
Willielmo de Braosa, &c. Datum per 
manum nostram apud Geytinton vj 
die Januarij regni nostri anno 
secundo. 



Confirmation 

of the men VJoJtn, by the 
of Kaermerdm. ) Q^ace of God, &c. 
to his Justiciars, &c. We command 
you that our burgesses of Kaermerdin 
be quit of tell and passage and 
pontage, and all customs throughout 
our Kingdom, and we prohibit that 
any one unjustly disturb them upon 
forfeiture of all his chattels as the 
Charter of King Henry reasonably 
testifies. . 

Witness R.' Bishop of Saint 
Andrews. 0} the son of Peter, Earl 
of Essex. William* de Braosa, and 
others. Dated by our hand at Ged- 
dington* the 6th day of January in 
the second year of our reign., 



* Perhaps the proper English of the word " theolonio " is " God-bote," a deodand 
for ofEences against God. 

* Roger de Bellomont was Lord Chancellor of Scotland, 1178—1183. Held the 
Bishopric of St. Andrew's, 1188—1202. • He was second son of Robert Blanchemains, 
Earl of Leicester, by his Countess Petronil, daughter of Hugh de Grantemesnil, Lord 
of the Honor of Hinckley in Co. Leicester, to which in former times was annexed the 
office of Lord High Steward of England. Bishop Roger's sister, Amicia, was married 
to Simon de Montfort, who thus obtained the Earldom of Leicester. 

^ Geoffrey Fitz Piers married Beatrix, daughter and coheiress to William (son of 
William de Say by his wife Beatrix, daughter of William and sister of Geoffrey de 
Mandeville, Earl of Essex). GeofErey Fitz Piers was a just and honoured Justiciar 
of all England, 1196—1200. He was created Earl of Essex in 1199, and died 
2nd Oct. 1212, when King John, who hated him, exclaimed, " Let him go to hell and 
join Archbishop Hubert. By God's foot, I am now, for the first time, King of 
England." 

* William de Breos, a cruel and unprincipled man. and an implacable enemy to 
the Welsh, was son of Philip de Breos, by his wife Bertha (coheiress to her brother 
William, Earl of Hereford) daughter of Milo, the first Earl, by his Countess Sibyl, 
eldest daughter of Bernard de Newmarch, Lord of Brecon. Sibyl's mother was 
eldest daughter of Griffith ab Llewelyn, Prince of all Wales. Through various means 
William de Breos obtained great possessions in Breconshire, Gwent, &c., and he 
owned the whole of Gower, which at that time was in the precincts of the County 
of Carmarthen. His wife was the " malapert " Maud de Haya, daughter of Reginald 
de St. Walery. She sent word to King John that she, would not send her children 
as hostages to one who had murdered his own nephew. De Breos 'died in exile 
A.D. 1212. Maud with a son, William Gam, had two years previously been starved 
to death in Windsor Castle by order of the enraged King. A daughter, Maude de 
Breos, was wife to Griffith, son to the Lord Rhys of South Wales. 

* Geddington in Co. Northampton, is a parish which formerly possessed a regal 
mansion, in which Henry II. held a Parliament A.D. 1188. 



CHARTER ROLL. 11th HENRY IIL ANNO DOMINI 1227. 

PARS 2 (19) MEMB. 6. 



Pro Burgensibns ) 
de Kaennerdyn. J gfinrUtlS Dei 
Oratia,&c. Justiciariis, Vicecomitibus , 
et omnibus ministris suis tocius terre 
sue Salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse 
pro nobis et heredibus nostris Bur- 
gensibns nostris de Kaermerdin, 
quod ipsi et heredes eorum imper- 
petuum sint quieti de theloneo, 
passagio, et pontagio, et omnibus 
consuetudinibus per totam terram 
nostram. Quare uolumus et firmiter 
precipimus quod predicti Burgenses 
de Kaennerdyn et eorum heredes 
imperpetuum sint quieti de theloneo 
passagio et pontagio et omnibus 
consuetudinibus per totam terram 
nostram sic predictum est. Hiis 
testibus W. Carleolensis Episcopo. 
H. de Burgo, Comite Kancie, Justic- 
iario nostro. Thoma de Muleton. 
Henrico de Braybroc. Radulpho filio 



For the Burgesses ) 
of Kaennerdyn. j gjnrg, by the 

Grace of God, &c. to the Justiciars, 
Sheriffs, and to all his ministers of 
his whole Kingdom, Greeting. Know 
ye, that we have granted for us and 
Our Heirs to our Burgesses of 
Kaermerdin, that they and their 
successors for ever should be quit 
of toll, passage, and pontage, and all 
customs throughout. Our Kingdom. 
Wherefore we will and firmly com- 
mand that the aforesaid Burgesses 
of Kaermerdyn and their successors 
for ever shall be quit of toll, passage, 
and pontage, and all customs through- 
out our Kingdom as is aforesaid. 
These being witnesses, W.,* Bishop 
of Carlisle. H. de Burgh,* Earl of 
Kent, Our Justiciar. Thomas de 
Muleton.' Henry de Braybroc* 
Ralph* the son of Nicholas. Godfrey 



* W. Malclerk or Lack Latin, Bishop of Carlisle from 1223 to apparently 1246. 
He resigned his see. Before his appointment to that diocese, he was Henry IIL's 
Lord High Treasurer. He was considered to be one of the most learned men in 
England at that time in Divinity and other sciences. 

* Hubert de Burgh, a powerful Baron whose life was strangely chequered, married 
four wives: 1st. Joan, daughter of William de Vernon, Earl of Devon, widow of 
William de Bruer. 2nd. Beatrix, daughter of William de Warren of Wermegay in 
Norfolk, relict of Dodo Bardolph. 3rd. Isabel, daughter and coheiress of William, 
Earl of Gloucester, divorced wife of King John, and widow of Geoffrey de Mandeville. 
4th. Margaret, daughter of William the Lion, King of Scotland. He died 12th May, 
1243. He was Lord Chamberlain to King John; Lord High Treasurer; Warden of 
the Welsh Marches; Sheriff of Cornwall; Seneschal of Poitou; was present at 
Bunnimead, ex part^ Kegis; Justiciary of England, 1219—1231; Constable of Dover 
Castle, which he gallantly defended against the French; Governor of England and 
of the infant Henry III.; created Earl of Kent 11th Feb., 1227; granted the Honor 
of Carmarthen in 1230—1. Through the malice of his enemies, he lost all these, and 
the favour of his King. 

* Thomas de Multon, was a stout soldier, learned in the law, very wealthy, but 
covetous and a wrongdoer. He married Ada, daughter and coheiress of Hugh de 
Morvil, widow of Richard de Lucy, of Egremont, Co. Cumberland. He was puisne 
Justice of Common Pleas, 1223 — 4; and the next year itinerant Justice. Governor 
of Carlisle Castle and Sheriff of Cumberland, 1233 until 1236. Chief Justice of 
Common Pleas, 1235 until his death in 1240. His son Thomas became in right of his 
wife, Lord Gillesland. • 

* Henry, Lord Braybrooke in Co. Northampton, was son of Kobert Meg, afterwards 
termed " de Braybrooke.*' He married Christiana, daughter and heiress of Wishart 
Ledet by Margaret his wife, and died in 1233—4. 

* Ralphe Fitz Nicholas seems to have been an eminent man of his time, for King 
John in 1213 — 4, sent him and Thomas d'Erdington, on a secret embassy to the 
King of Spain and Morocco, to solicit his assistance against the English Barons, and 
in requital, to acquaint him that John would become a Mahometan, and pay tribute 
for the English Bealm. Ralphe afterwards became Lord Steward to Henry IIL 



Nicholai. Godefrido de Craucumb. 
Eicardo de Argenteom. Henrico de 
Capella, et aliis. Datum ut supra. 
(Apud Westmonasterium xxiij die 
Julij, anno regni nostri xj°.) 



de Craucumb.^ Richard de Argen- 
teom.* Henry de Capella, and others. 
Dated as above. (At Westminster 
the 23rd day of July, in the 11th 
year of our reign.) 



* Godfrey de Crawcombe, Knight, was sent in company with John de Courcy, to 
Galway, in order to bring Maud de Haya, mentioned previously as prisoner to King 
John. In 1216 — 6, heobtained all the lands of Nichblas de Pointz and his son Hugh, 
which were in the Counties of Somerset, Dorset, and Gloucester. Nicholas's lands 
were restored in a twelvemonth's time, but Hugh's were not. In 1213 Henry III, 
sent Sir Godfrey with 300 soldiers to apprehend and lodge the disgraced Hubert de 
Burgh in the Tower. When the imprisonment had been effected, Henry, who had 
sat up to hear the news, when he learnt that Hubert's legs had been tied underneath 
the horse, was highly pleased, and " went merrily to bed." 

* Richard d' Argentine, was Sheriff of the Counties of Essex, Hertford, Hunting- 
don, &c., and Lord Steward of the King's Household. He went on a pilgrimage tu 
Palestine, and died in 1246. His son and heir was Giles, whom the Welsh captdero 
in a skirmish near Montgomery. 



CHARTER Both. 31st HENRY III. ANNO DOMINI 1247. 

(42 MEMB. 9.) 



^i% Archiepiscopis, &c., Salutem. 

Sciatis nos inspexisse cartam Henrici 

Regis aui nostri, in hec uerba: 

" Henricus, Rex Anglie, et Dux Nor- 

mannie et Aquitanie, et. Comes 

Andegauie, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, 

Abbatibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, 

Justiciariis, Vicecomitibus, Ministris, 

Balliuis et omnibus fidelibus suis 

Francis et Anglis et Wallensibus, 

Salutem. Sciatis me pro salute anime 

mee et antecessorum meorum et 

heredum meorum concessisse et 

dedisse et hac carta mea 

confinnasse Deo et Ecclesie 

Sancti Johannis Ewangliste de Kay- 

ermerdin et Canonicis ibidem Deo 

seruientibus,inperpetuam elimosinam, 

veterem civitatem de Kayermerdin 

cum omnibus pertinenciis suis, sicut 

fines et termini perambulati sunt 

coram BaUiois meis de Kayermerdin. 

Dedi eciam prefatis canonicis eccles- 

iam Sancti Petri que sita est in 

eadem ciuitate cum capella de castello 

meo de Kayermerdin et omnibus aliis 

capellis ad eandem ecclesiam perti- 

nentibus. Preterea dedi eis et concessi 
iiij carucatas terre in Eglisuent quas 
habent ex dono Bolederici Latimer 
et ij*» carucatas terre in communi 
quas habent ex dono Bemardi 



©h^ $iltjQ[ to the Archbishops, &c., 
Greeting. Know you that we have 
examined the charter of King Henry * 
our Grandfather, in these words: 
" Henry, King of England, and Duke 
of Normandy and Aquitaine, and 
Earl of Anjou, to the Archbishops, 
Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons, 
Justiciars, Sheriffs, Ministers, Bail* 
iffs, and to all his faithful subjects, 
Krench, English, and Welsh, Greet- 
ing. Know ye that, for the safety of 
my soul and the souls of my ancestors 
and my heirs, I have given and 
TTT- I granted and by this my 
charter have confirmed to 
God and the Church of Saint John 
the Evangelist* of Kayermerdin and 
to the Canons there, the servants of 
God, in perpetual alms, the old City 
of Kayermerdin, with all its appur- 
tenances, as the bounds and limits 
thereof are "perambulated in the 
presence of my Bailiffs of Kayer- 
merdin. I have also given to the 
aforesaid Canons the Church of Saint 
Peter, which is situated in the same 
city, with the chapel of my Castle of 
Kayermerdin, and all other chapels to 
the same Church belonging. Further 
I have given and granted to them 
4 ploughlands® in Eglisuent,* which 
they have of the gift of Bolderic 
Latimer, and 2 ploughlands in com- 
mon which they have of the gift of 
Bernard, Bishop of Saint David's.* 



» Henry II. 

* The Church of Saint John the Evangelist stood on the right bank of the Towy, 
about 60 yards west of the present Tin Mill. The " canons " there were of the order 
of Saint Augustine. The arms in the seal of the Church shew " Azure, an Eagle 
with wings endorsed, standing on a branch of laurel, all or." 

* A ploughland equals as much as one plough turns up in a year, nearly 100 acres. 

* Eglisuent, now known as Abemant Church (?), about 6 miles from Carmarthen. 

* Bernard; this eminent prelate and stout defender of the Archbishopric of St. 
David's, had been Chancellor to Adeliza of Louvaine, second Queen to Henry I. In 
1115 he was admitted to priest's orders, and the next day consecrated by Rodolph, 
Archbishop of Canterbury,, and six attendant bishops to the above see, which previous 
to his time acknowledged no superior; and Bernard had afterwards most reluctantly 
to resign his Metropolitan authority, in obedience to the desire of his king, Henry I., 
to whom he was at the time Chaplain. Bernard successfully resisted the encroach- 
ments of Urban, Bishop of Landaff, on the boundaries of the see of St. David's. He 
died in 1148. 



Meneuensis Episcopi. Dedi eciam eis 

et concessi vnam carucatam terre in 

Egliskein, cum capella infra terminos 

eiusdem terre sita quam dedit eisdem 

canonicis Alfred Dryue, et vnam 

carucatam terre que dicitur Pentewey. 

Quare uolo et firmiter precipio ut 

predicti Canonici prefatas terras cum 

ecclesiis et capellis sine aliqua con- 

suetudine seculari et exactione habeant 

et teneant, bene et in pace, libere et 

quiete plene, et honorifice, et integre 

in bosco in piano, in viis in semiti's 

in pratis in pasciiis, in aquis, in 
molendinis, in piscariis et piscacioni- 
bus, et in omnibus rebus. Et prohibeo 
ne aliquis de Balliuis meis eisdem 
Canonicis de supradictis rebus iniur- 
iam vel molestiam faciat aut facere 
permittat. Testibus Ricardo Can- 
tuarensis Archiepiscopo. Gyleberto 
Londinensis Episcopo. Petro Men- 
euensis Episcopo. Ranulfo de Glanuill. 



I have also given and granted to 
them one ploughland in Egliskein,* 
with the chapel within the bounds of 
the same land situated, which Alfred 
Dryve gave to the same Canons, and 
one ploughland which is called Pen- 
tewey.' Wherefore I will and firmly 
command that the aforesaid Canons 
the aforesaid lands with the Churches 
and chapels shall have and hold 
without any secular custom or ex- 
action peaceably, freely and quietly, 
honourably and wholly, in wood, in 
plain, in ways, in paths, in meadows, 
in feedings, in waters, in mills, in 
fisheries and fishings, and in all 
things. And I forbid that any of 
my Bailiffs shall do or suffer to be 
done any injury or disturbance to 
the same Canons concerning the 
matters aforesaid. These being 
witnesses, Richard,' Archbishop of 
Canterbury. Gylbert,* Bishop of 
London. Peter,* Bishop of Saint 
David's. Ranulf de Glanvill.* 



* Egliskein, now called Eglwysgain or Llangain, otherwise called Manor Gayne, 
is a parish about 4 miles from Carmarthen, on the road to Llanstephan. The plough- 
land was at Tir Mabli, now called Waen Mabli. 

* Pentewey, now called Pentowyn. The " Valor Ecclesiasticus'' (temp. Henry VIII.) 
mentions this place and the foregoing one. 

Grangiam de Pontowyn per annu' ad 66s. 8d. 
De tenementis apad Manor Gayne per annu' 408. 

' Richard, Prior of Dover, succeeded the celebrated Thomas A'Becket in the 
Archbishopric of Canterbury, which he held from 1173 until 1184, when he died at 
Hailing, in Co. Kent. 

* Gilbert Foliot was Abbot of Gloucester. Held the see of Hereford from 1 148 
until 1163, when he was translated to the Bishopric of London, which he held until 
1187. He was a near relative to Roger, Earl of Hereford, son of Milo. 

* Peter de Leia, was Prior of Wenlock Cluniac Monastery, Co. Salop. He was 
Bishop of St. David's from 1176 until 1189. The well-known learned divine and 
patriot Giraldus Cambrensis was elected Bishop previous to Peter's consecration and 
after his death, but the King would not admit the election, nor would the Pope 
confirm it. 

* Ranulph de Glanville, son to William de Glanville, was born at Stratford. He 
commanded at the battle of Alnwick, 12th July, 1174, and obtained a signal victory, 
taking prisoner William the Lion, King of Scotland, He was chief Privy Counsellor 
and Justiciary of England from 1179 until 1189. He accompanied Richard I. to 
Palestine, and died in front of Acre during its siege in June and July, 1191. By his 
wife Bertha, daughter of Theobald the Elder, of Valoines, he had issue 3 daughters, 
between whom, previous to his pilgrimage, he divided all his property. When Prince 
John passed through Carmarthen to Ireland, this Ranulph accompanied him. 



Humfrido de Bohun. Hugone de 
Lacy, apiid Westmonasterium." 

Nos igitur donacionem et conces- 
sionem predictam ratam habentes et 
acceptam ipsam pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris concedimus et hac carta nostra 
confirmamus. Testibus, Willielmo 
de Cantilupe. Radulpho filio Nicolai. 
Johanne de Plessy. Emerico de 
Sacy. Robert de Mucogos. Barth- 
olameo Pecche. Willielmo de Cheeny. 
' Robert le Norreys. Johanne de Geres 
et aliis. Datum per manum nostram, 
apud Westmonasterimn, x die Aprilis. 



Humphrey de Bohun.* Hugh de 
Lacy,* at Westminster." 

We the aforesaid gift and grant 
haying ratified and allowed for us 
and our heirs, do grant, and by this 
charter, do confirm the same. 



our 



These being witnesses, William de 
Cantilupe.* Ralph* son of Nicholas. 
John de Plessy.* Emeric de Sacy.® 
Robert de Mucogos.' Bartholomew 
Pecche.* William de Cheeny. Robert 
le Norreys. John de Geres, and 
others. Given by our hand, at 
Westminster, the 10th day of April. 



* Humphrey de Bohun (son of Humphrey "the Great," by his wife Mabel or 
Maud, daughter of Edward de Salesbury), Steward and Sewer to King Kenij I., 
married Margery, eldest of the three daughters of Milo, Earl of Hereford, Constable 
of England, and coheir to her brother Mahel. He founded Moukton Farley Priory in 
Wilts, and died 6th April, 1187. 

* Hugh de Lacy was son of Gilbert, who assumed the surname " De Lacy," and 
who became afterwards a Knight Templar. Hugh had a grant of the whole of Meath 
in Lreland, and was moreover appointed Governor of Dublin, and Justiciary of 
Lreland. He was a wealthy and powerful noble, but so severe, that on the 26th July, 
1182, while he was superintending the erection of Lurhedy Castle at Derelagh, a 
workman called Malva Miadaith came behind him and struck his head o£E with an 
axe. He left two sons, Walter and Hugh, and a daughter called Elayne, who became 
the wife of Bichard de Beaufort. 

' William de Cantilupe married Eva, daughter and coheiress of William de Breos 
and coheiress to Walter Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, and in her right, had livery 
of the Town and Castle of Haverfordwest, the Honor of Abergavenny, all Over- 
Gwent, the Lordship of Cilgerran, &o. He died young, in September, 1255. 

* Balph Fitz Nicholas has been annotated. 

* John de Plessitis. a Norman by birth, was domestic servant at the Court of 
Hemy IIL, who constrained Margery (widow of John Marshal, brother to William, 
Earl of Pembroke), sister and sole heiress to Thomas, Earl of Warwick, to marry the 
said John, who thus became Earl of Warwick. He died 26th February, 1263, and 
by his first wife Christiana, daughter and heiress to Hugh de Sanf ord, left issue. 

^ Emeric de Sacy's daughter and coheiress, Isabel, married Warren de Bassingboume, 
of Co. Cambridge. Emeric was living in 1253. 

' Robert de Mucogos, otherwise Muscegros, married Helewise, daughter of 
William Malet, Sheriff of Somersetshire and Dorsetshire, by Alice, daughter of Thomas 
Basset, Lord of Deddington, in Co. Oxford. Helewise survived her husband and 
married Sir Hugh Pointz. Robert left a daughter Hawise, who married Sir William 
Mortimer, Knight. 

* Bartholomew Pecche had landQ given him by King John, in the CountieB of 
Wilts, Northampton, Gloucester, Somerset, Dorset, Oxford, and Berks. They were 
previously held by Eldas Giffard, who forfeited them by rebellion. However, in 
Henry IIL's timeAe had them restored. 



CHARTER ROLL. 4l8T HENRY IIL ANNO DOMINI 1257. 

MEMB. 9. 



Wallia. 



Pro Burgensibus ) 
de Kermerdyn. / |> ^jj Archiepis- 

oopis, &c. Inspeximus cartam quam 
Edwardus filius noster primogenitus 
fecit burgensibus de Kermeredin in 
hec verba. " Edwardus, Ulustris 
Henrici Regis Anglie primogenitus, 
omnibus fidelibus suis hoc presens 
scriptum visuris vel audituris, S4IU- 
tem. Nouerit vniuersitas restra, nos 
concessissedilectis et fidelibus burgen- 
sibus nostris de Kermeredin omnes 
bonas leges et consuetudines quibus 
tempore Johannis Regis, aui nostri, 
et predecessorum suorum, Regum 
Anglie, hactenus vsi sunt 
et gavisi, et communiam 
suam liberam in planis et boscis, in 
aquis et in omnibus aliis aysiamentis, 
optentis et usitatis. Concessimus 
eciam predictis burgensibus nostris, 
quod ipsi pro transgressione sen 
forisfacturaservientum suorum catalla 
et bona sua in manibus ipsorum 
inventa aut alicubi locorum per ipsos 
seruientes infra terram nostram 
deposita quatenus sua esse ^fficienter 
probare poterunt non amittant. Et 
quod si dicti burgenses aut eorum 
aliqui infra terram et potestatem 
nostram testati decesserint vel in- 
testati, nos vel heredes nostri bona 
ipsorum confiscari non faciemus quin 
eorum heredes integre ipsa habeant 
quatenus dicta catalla dictorum de- 
functorum fuisse constiterit dum 
tamen de dictis heredibus noticia aut 
fides habeatur. Item concessimus 



For the Burgesses ) 
of Carmarthen. J gfjjr^ %hXQ to 

the Archbishops, &c. We have con- 
sidered the Charter which Edward,* 
our eldest son, made to the Burgesses 
of Kermeredin in these words : " Ed- 
ward, the first bom of the illustrious 
Henry, King of England, to all his 
faithful people by whom this present 
writing shall be seen or heard, 
Greeting. Know ye all, that we 
have granted to our dear and faithful 
Burgesses of Kermeredin, all good 
laws and customs, which in the time 
of King John, our Grandfather, and 
jj^ J of his predecessors. Kings 
[Vales. ^^ England, hitherto they 

have used and enjoyed, and their free 
common in plains and woods, in 
waters and in all other easements 
obtained and used. We have granted 
also to the aforesaid Burgesses, that 
they, for trespass or forfeiture of 
their servants, shall not lose their 
goods and chattels in their hands 
found, or deposited by the same 
servants in any place within our 
land, so far as they can sufficiently 
prove them to be their own. And 
that if the said Burgesses or any of 
them within our land and power, shall 
die testate or intestate, We or our 
heirs the goods of such will not cause 
to be confiscated, but their heirs 
wholly shall have the same, so 
far as the said chattels may appear 
to have been the property of the said 
deceased; whilst nevertheless notice 
or trust concerning the said heirs 
shall be had. Also, We have granted 
to the same Burgesses, that none of 
them within our power shall be sued 
for the debt of any of his neighbours, 



> "Edward, our eldest son," was afterwards King Edward I., who subjugated 
Wales in 1282. 



8 



eisdem burgensibus nostris quod 
nuUus eorum infra potestatem nostram 
vexetur pro debito alicuius vicini sui 
nisi fuit debitor vel plegius. Et 
quamuis plegius alicuius non cogatur 
soluere dum debitor habeat vnde 
soluere possit. Et quod omnes 

transgressiones infra liberum burgum 
suunl facte, per eorumdem burgen- 
sium consideracionem einendentur, 
sicut hactenus consueuit. Conces- 
simus eciam eis, quod si aliquis 
eorum alicui infra burgum suum 
forisfecerit, non ducatur infra port as 
castelli, dum possit inuenire bonos 
et saluos plegios de stando juri, nisi 
pro transgressione pro qua plegiabilis 
non fuerit. Et quamvis aliquis eorum 
aliquam rem claro die coram vicinis 
suis emerit, et postea resilla fuerit 
calumpniata tanquam furtiua non 
amittet nisi tantum rem ill am, set 
iurabit cum sacramento vicinorum 
suorum, quod nesciunt rem illam 
emisse de latrone. Et quod nullus 
eorum cogatur accommodare balliuo 
suo ultra duodecim denaratas, nisi 
voluerit bona voluritate sua, et quod 
nulla inquisicio de rebus forinsecis 
fiat per predictos burgenses, set per 
libere tenentes patrie, sicut hucusque 
fieri consueuit. Et quod bee con- 
cessio nostra, rata et stabilis pro 
nobis et heredibus nostris predictis 
burgensibus nostris, perseveretur, hoc 
presens scriptum sigilli nostri inpres- 
sione duximus coroborandum. Hiis 
testibus, Dominia Petro de Sabandia, 
Johanne filio Galfridi, Eble de Mon- 
tibus, Willielmo de Pemis, Michaele 



unless lie shall be a debtor or surety : 
and although the surety of any one, 
he shall not be compelled to pay, 
while the debtor hath herewith to 
pay. And that all trespasses com- 
mitted within their free borough, 
shall be corrected by the judgment 
of the Burgesses of the same, as 
hitherto hath been accustomed. We 
have also granted to them, that if 
any of them shall forfeit to any one 
within their borough, he shall not be 
taken within the gates of the castle, 
while he can find good and safe 
sureties for his standing to law, 
unless for a trespass, which shall 
not be bailable. And although any 
one, in open day before his neighbours, 
shall buy any thing, and afterwards 
that thing shall be alleged as stolen, 
he shall only lose that thing, but 
shall swear with the oath of his 
neighbours, that they did not know 
that thing to have been bought 
from a thief. And that none of them 
shall be compelled to give bond to 
his bailiff beyond twelve pence, unless 
with his own free will, and that no 
inquisition concerning foreign matters 
shall be made by the aforesaid Bur- 
gesses, but by the freeholders of the 
country, as hitherto has been accus- 
tomed to be done. And that this 
our grant, ratified and firm for us 
and our heirs to the aforesaid Bur- 
gesses, may be continued, this present 
wnting we have caused to be con- 
firmed by the impression of our seal. 
These being witnesses, Lords Peter 
de Babandia,* John the son of 
Geoffrey,* Eble de Montibus,' Wil- 



' Peter de Sabandia, otherwise known as Peter of Savoy, was son of Thomas, Earl 
of Savoy, and was uncle to Eleanor of Provence, Henry III.'s queen. Peter came to 
England in 1241, five years after his niece Eleanor's marriage, and received the 
Earldom of Richmond. The same year he was given 15 manors, and made afterwards 
chief or President of the King's Council. He obtained a grant of the houses on the 
Strand, in London; the Houors of Eagle, Hastings, &c. He made his will in 1268 — 9, 
and left his Earldom to the Queen, and the last named Honors between his brothers 
Thomas, Amsedius, and Lewis. 

2 John Fitz Geoffrey was son of Geoffrey Fitz Piers (previously mentioned), by his 
second Wife Aveline. John married Isabel (sister of John Bigot, a member of the 
family of that name, Earls of Norfolk), and obtained with her the Castle and Honor 
of Ewias Lacy. 

3 Eble de Montibus was in 1230, keeper of the Town and Forest of Windsor. 



de Penis, Waltero de Merton, et 
mnltis aliis." 

Nos autem predictam concessionem 
ratam habentes et gratam earn pro 
nobis et heredibus nostris concedimus 
et confirmamiis, sicut predicta carta 
rationabiliter testatur. Hiis testibus , 
Guidone de Lezine, Galfrido d^ 
Lezine, et Willielmo de Valencia, 
fratribus nostris, Petro de Sabg-ndia, 
Arcaldo de Sancto Eomano, Magistro 
Johanne Mavinsel, Willielmo de 
Grey, Waukelino de Ardern, Imberto 
Pugeys, Willielmo Gemun, et aliis. 
Datmn per manum nostram apud 
Westmonasterium iiij die Februarij, 
anno regni nostri xlj°. 



liam de Pemis,' Michael de Fenis,' 
Walter de Merton,* and many others." 
We, the aforesaid grant having 
ratified and confirmed for us and our 
heirs, do grant and confirm the same, 
as the aforesaid charter reasonably 
witnesseth. These being witnesses, 
Guido de Lezine,* Geofirey de Lezine,* 
and William de Valencia® our 
Brothers, Peter de Sabandia, Arcaldo 
de Sancto Komano,^ Master John 
Maunsell,' William de Grey,® Wau- 
kelin de Ardern, Imbertus Pugeys, 
William Gemon, and others. Given 
by our hand at Westminster, the 4th 
day of February, in the 41st year of 
our reign. 



* William de Pemis. Query, whether this person is not the same as "William de 
Pyns, mentioned as " Prior del Mas " in the Close Rolls (36th Henry III.), and in the 
** Royal and Historical Letters," Vol. ii., p. 71. 

* Michael de Fenis was a member of the ancient family of Fienles, or, as written 
in later times, Fienes, Fenes, &c. 

* Walter de Merton was appointed custodian of the Great Seal, 6th May, 1258, 
because the Chancellor, Henry de Wengham, was ill in body ; but the discontented 
Barons deprived him of the office. However, without consulting them, the King, in 
1261, again appointed him Lord Chancellor, and he held that office until 1263, and 
received a salary of 400 marks. Qn the accession of Edward I., in 1272, he was 
consecrated Bishop of Rochester, and a third time undertook the duties of Lord 
Chancellor. He seems to have died in 1279. 

* Guido (=Guy) and GeofErey took their cognomen from their natal place, now 
called Lusignan. They were elder brothers of William de Valence, and were objects 
of the thoughtless King's improvident bounty. 

* William de Valence was son of Hugh le Brun, Earl of Lusignan and Valence, by 
his Countess Isabella, widow of King John ; she was daughter and heiress of Aymer 
Taillefer, Count of Angouleme. William claimed subsistence from his half-brother 
Henry III., and his protection, and was sent for in 1247. He married Joan, only 
daughter of Warren, Lord Montchensy, and in her right, became Earl of Pembroke. 
She became heiress to her brother William de Montchensy, who was crushed to death 
in 1289, by the overthrow of Dryslwyn Castle, near Carmarthen. William de Valence 
owned the Castles of Haverfordwest, Cilgerran, &c., and for his Commot of Oystrelow 
did suit in the King's Court at Carmarthen. This haughty, overbearing man died 
(«< atiif was slain by the French) at Bayonne on the 13th June, 1296. His second, 
but eldest surviving son, William, Lord of Montignac and Bellac, was slain in battle 
by the Welsh near Llandeilo Fawr, in Co. Carmarthen, on the 24:th June. 1282. 

* Arcaldo de Sancto Romano was keeper of King Henry IIL's Wardrobe. 

^ John Maunsell was firstly. Chancellor of St. Paul's Cathedral in London ; then 
became Provost of Beverly Monastery, in Yorkshire. In 1247 he had the custody of 
the Great Seal to execute the office of Lord Chancellor. Two years after, the like 
trust was confided to him until the feast of St. Mary. He possessed the Castle and 
Manor of Sedgwick, in Westmoreland, and was a ** special friend and counsellor " of 
Henry III. His father was Henry Maunsell, son to Sir Philip de Maunsel, owner 
of Oxwich Manor, in Co. Glamorgan, by the gift of his uncle. Sir Henry Harley, 
Elnight. The Chancellor (by his wife Joan, daughter of Simon Beauchamp, Baron 
of Bedford) is the direct ancestor of the present Sir John Bell William Mansel, 
of Maesdeilo, Carmarthenshire, Bart, Alard Fleming married a sister of John 
Maunsel's, and their daughter Joan became wife of Henry Hoese, one of the 
rebellious Barons. 

* William de Grey, of Landford, in Notts, and Sandiacre, in Co. Derby, was a 
younger son of Henry de Grey, of Grimston, in Notts, by his wife Isolda, niece and 
coheiress of Robert Bardolph, Lord of the Hundred of Hoo, in Kent. 

2 



10 



EOTULI WALLIE. 8th EDWD. I. ANNO DOM. 1280. 

MEMBRANE 7. 



^i^ omnibus, &c., Salutem. Sciatis 

quod commisimus dilecto et fideli 
nostro Bogoni de Knouill, Castra 
nostra et Comitatus nostros de 
Kermerdyn et Cardigan, et Castra 
de Lampader, Dynavor, Karakenny, 

et Landeueri, cum omnibus terris et 

tenementis et rebus nostris aliis que 

sunt in manu nostra in partibus West 

Wallie sumptibus suis custodienda 

quamdiu nobis placuerit, excepta 

balliva de Buelt, reddendo inde 

nobis ad Scaccarium nostrum singulis 
annis quadringentas marcas, yidelicet, 
medietatem ad Scaccarium nostrum 
Sancti Michaelis et aliam medietatem 
ad Scaccarium nostrum Pasche. Ita 
quod illud quod idem Bogo recipiet 
de exitibus predictorum castrorum 
terrarum et comitatuum ultra quad- 
ringentas marcas predictas cedat in 
sustentacionem suam et custodiam 
Castrorum Terrarum et Cofuitatuum 
predictorum quamdiu custodiam illam 
babuerit ex commissione nostra. In 
cuius, &c. Teste ut supra x die 
Junii. 



^IXt liittJg to all, &c.. Greeting. 
Know ye that We have committed 
to our dear and faithful Bogo de 
Knovill,' our Castles and our Coxmties 
of Kermerdyn and Cardigan, and 
the Castles of Lampader,* Dynavor,' 
Karakenny,* and Landeveri,* with 
all lands and tenements and other 
things which are in our hands in the 
parts of West Wales, to be kept at 
his own charges during our pleasure, 
except the Bailiwick of Buelt,* render- 
ing therefore to us at our Exchequer 
yearly four hundred marks, to wit, 
one moiety at our Exchequer at the 
feast of Saint Michael, and the other 
moiety at our Exchequer at Easter. 
So nevertheless, that which the same 
Bogo shall receive of the issues of 
the aforesaid Castles, Lands, and 
Counties, beyond the aforesaid four 
hundred marks should be allowed for 
his maintenance and custody of the 
Castles, Lands, and Counties afore- 
saidj so long as he shall have that 
custody as of our trust. Li witness, 
&c. Witness as above the 10th day 
of June. 



* Bogo, alias Bevis de Knoville, was summoned to Parliament as Baron Knoville 
of Whitechurch from 1294—5 until 1306 — 7, when he died. He was sherifE of the 
Counties of Salop and Stafford, and Justiciary of West Wales. He was son of a 
Bogo, and left a son named Bogo, bom in 1277—8. 

* Llanbada;m is a parish in Cardiganshire, in which is situate the town of 
Aberystwith. The Castle therein was anciently known as Llanbadam Castle: it is 

' now in ruins. 

' Dynevor Castle, 14 miles east of Carmarthen. Newton, the modem mansion in 
its immediate proximity, is the seat of Lord Dynevor. 

* Karakenny, now Caregcennen, in Co. Carmarthen, 4 miles eastwards of Llandeilo 
Fawr. 

* Llandovery, in Co. Carmarthen. The remnant of the Castle is but small. 

* Builth, in Co. Brecon, near which, two years subsequent to above grant, Llewelyn, 
Prince of Wales, was slain, 11th Dec, 1282. 



11 



EOTULI WALLIE. 8th EDWARD 1. ANNO DOMINI 1280. 

MEMBRANE 7. 



^t% dilecto et fideli suo Bogoni de 

Knouill, Justiciario suo West Wallie, 
Salutem. Quia pro multitudine 
hominum tarn Anglicorum quam 
Wallensium, sectatorum Comitatus 

nostri de Kermerdyn, et ad vtilitatem 
eorumdem, Volumus quod vbi Comi- 
tatus ille temporibus retroactis-semper 

teneri consueuit per diem Jouis 
de cetero per duos dies semper tenea- 

tur, videlicet, per diem Jouis et diem 

Veneris, vobis mandamus quod Comi- 

tatum predictum per predictos duos 

dies Jouis et Veneris semper decetero 

teneri, faciatis publice etiam procla- 

mari faciatis et firmiter inhiberi ex 

parte nostra ne qui super grauem 

forisfacturam nostram ad distaucium 

quinque leucarum in circuitu ville de 

Kermerdyn, per diem Sabbati donee 

aHud inde preceperimus. Teste ut 

supra. 



^h Iting to Ms dear and faithful 
Bogo de Knovill, bis Justiciar of 
West Wales, Greeting. Forasmuch 
as for the great number of men as 
well English as Welsh, suitors of 
Our County of Kermerdyn, and for 
the interest of the same. We are 
willing that the County Courts* in 
times past always accustomed to be 
held on Thursday may always be 
held henceforth for two days, to wit, 
Thursday and Friday, We command 
you that you cause the County Court 
aforesaid to be held for the aforesaid 
two days, Thursday and Friday 
always henceforth, also that you 
cause it publicly to be proclaimed 
and firmly enjoined on Our behalf 
that no one, upon Our grave dis- 
pleasure, shall trade within a circuit 
of ^Ye leagues of the town of 
Kermerdyn, in any merchandise, 
except in the Market of the aforesaid 
town of Kermei*dyn on Saturday, 
until otherwise thereof We shall have 
commanded. Witness as above. 



* These Courts were of great dignity. The Bishop, the Earl or Lord Lieutenant, 
and the principal gentry sat to administer justice in lay and ecclesiastical suits. But 
when the Earl neglected to attend, and the Bishop was forbidden, the Courts fell ofE 
in importance, ^ey were compelled to be held every 28 days, and freeholders were 
generally the judges. 



12 



WELSH ROLLS. 6th, 7th, 8th, AND 9th OF EDWARD L 
ANNO DOMINI 1278 TO 1281. MEMB. 7. 



^t% omnibus, &c., Salutem. Sciatis, 
quod cum commiserimus dilecto et 
fideli nostro Bogoni de Knouill, Castra 
nostra et Comitatus nostros de Ker- 
merdyn et Kardygan, et Castra de 
Lampader, Dynauour, et Karakenny, 
et Landeuery, cum omnibus terns et 
tenementis et rebus nostris aliis que 

sunt in manu nostra in partibus West 
Wallie, custodienda quamdiu nobis 
placuerit, excepta balliua de Buelt, 
reddendo nobis indo singulis annis 
ad Scaccarium nostrum quadringentas 
marcas, yidelicet, unam medietatem 
ad Scaccarium nostrum Sancti 
Michaelis, et aliam medietatem ad 
scaccarium nostrum Pasche prout in 
litteris nostris patentibus eidem 
Bogoni inde confectis plenius con- 
tinetur. Volumus et concedimus, 
quod eidem Bogoni singulis annis, 
quamdiu habuerit custodiam illam 
ex commissione nostra in solucione 
dictarum quadringentarum marcarum, 
allocentur le Weeste, et sustentacio 
equorum Domini et Rhaglorii, et 
firma terre per nos certis personis 
commisse in partibus illis, vsque ad 
summam extente inde facte per 
Ricardum de Oxon et Magistrum 
Henricum de Bray. Ita tantum, quod 
dictus Bogo nobis de prato de 
Lampader, et de duobus solidis et 
duobus denariis annuiredditus ibidem, 
et prisa vini de Cardygan nobis ultra 
predictam summam quadringentarum 
marcarum respondeat. In cuius, &c. 
Teste Rege apud Odyham, xxv die 
Junii. 



ifltf liinjg to all, &c., Greeting. 

Know ye, that whereas We have 
committed to our dear and faithful 
Bogo de Knovill, Our Castles and 
Counties of Kermerdyn, and Kardy- 
gan, and the Castles of Lampader, 
Dynavour, and Karakenny, and 
Landevery, with all Our lands and 
tenements and other things which 
are in Our hands in the parts of 
West Wales, to be kept during Our 
pleasure, except the Bailiwick of 
Buelt, rendering therefor to Us 
every year at Our Exchequer, four 
hundred marks, to wit, one moiety 
at Our Exchequer of Saint Michael, 
and the other moiety at Our Ex- 
chequer of Easter, as in our Letters 
Patent to the same Bogo made 
thereof, more fiilly is contained. We 
will and grtot, that to the same Bogo 
in each year, so long as he shall have 
that custody of Our committal, upon 
payment of the said fo\ir hundred 
marks, shall be allowed to him le 
Weeste,* and the keep of the horses 
of the Lord and the Rhaglaw,* the 
farm of lands by Us committed to 
certain persons in those parts, until 
it shall amount to the sum of the 
extent made thereof by Richard of 
Oxford, and Master Henry de Bray.' 
Yet nevertheless, the said Bogo shall 
answer to Us for the meadow of Lam- 
pader, and for two shillings and two 
pence annual rent there, and the pri- 
sage* of Wine of Cardygan beyond the 
aforesaid sum of four hundred marks. 
In witness, &c. Witness the King 
at Odyham,* the 25th day of June. 



* Le Wee8te=Wa8te. If a man had not special grant in writing he was liable 
(52 Hen. III.) to an action for making waste, sale, or "exile" of houses, woods, or 
men, and on conviction, he lost the thing wasted and treble its value. Edward I, 
coDfirmed and amended that law in 1278. 

* Rhaglaw is a Welsh word signifying Deputy. 

^ Henry de Bray, after the death of George de Cantilupe, was in 1273 appointed 
Constable of the Honors and Castles of Abergavenny, Cilgerran, near Cardigan, and 
Penrice, in Glamorgan. He had also some lands in Watford, Co. Hertford, &c. 

* The prisage of wine is the butlerage or impost on wines payable to the King. 

5 Odiham is a corporate town in N.E. of Hampshire. It contained a castle and 
royal palace at one time, of which a few remains are still visible. 



13 



PLACITA DE QUO WARRANTO. 9th EDWARD L 

ANNO DOMINI 1281. 



Placita Forinseca, adhuc de quindena 
Sancte Trinitatis, etc. 

^nuninim fnit alias coram Jus- 
ticiis Intinerantibus apud Derbia, in 
Ragemannis, quod Wappentachia de 
Ludchirch, Wyrkesworth, Appeltre, 
et Reppingdon, fuit in manu Ed- 
mundi, fratris Domini Regis. Ita 

quod ad sectam Gilberti de Thornton, 
qui sequitur pro Domino Rege, datus 
fuit hie dies predicto Edmundo, ad 
hunc diem ad ostendendum quo 
waranto tenet wappentachia ilia. Et 
modo venit predictus Gilbertus qui 
sequitur pro Domino Rege, et similiter 
predictus Edmundus per attomatum 
suum. Et quo ad wappentachium de 
Ludchirche, et quartem partem wap- 
pentachii de Reppingdon, et totum 
wappentachium de Appeltre, dicit', 
quod ipse nuncque occupavit predicta 
wappentachia super dominum Regem 
nee aliquem antecessorum suorum. 

Et hoc paratus est verificare sicut 
Curia consid'. Unde petit judicium 
si debeat inde sine brevi Domino 



Foreign Pleas ^ still of the Quindime* 
of the Holy Trinity, 

Jt WK% presented elsewhere before 
the Justices Itinerant at Derby, on 
the Ragman Rolls,* that the Wap- 
pentake* of Ludchurch,* Wyrkes- 
worth,* Appeltre,* and Reppingdon,* 
was in the hands of Edmund,* the 
brother of our Lord the King. 
Wherefore at the suit of Gilbert de 
Thornton,* who sues for our Lord the 
King, a day was granted to the 
aforesaid Edmund, to shew at this 
day by what warrant he holds those 
wappentakes. And now comes the 
aforesaid Gilbert who sues for our 
Lord the King, and also the aforesaid 
Edmund by his attorney. And as 
to the wappentake of Ludchurch, and 
the fourth part of the wappentake of 
Reppingdon, and the whole of the 
wappentake of Appeltre, he says, 
that he never usurped the aforesaid 
wappentakes over the Lord the King, 
or any of his ancestors. And this 
he is ready to verify as the Court 
may determine. Whereupon he prays 
judgment whether he ought to answer 
therefor to our Lord the King without 



* QuincUme of the Holy Triuity=22 days after Whitsunday. 

* Ragman Bolls^ is a strange term importing a legal deed or indenture executed 
under numerous seals. Again it is applied to one of the statutes enacted by 
Edward I., which ordered Justices to hear and decide all complaints regarding 
injuries done within the five years preceding the application for remedy. 

* Wappentake, a term identical with what is now called a hundred. The word is 
said to be derived from the old custom of annually taking stock of the number of 
weapons and armour in each hundred, the inhabitants of which were further obliged 
to find pledges for their good behaviour. 

* Lidchurch, Wirksworth, Appletree, and Repington are hundreds, or parts thereof, 
in Derbyshire. 

* Edmund Plantagenet, next brother to Edward I., bom 16th of January, 1246. 
The Pope titled him "King of Sicily," 18th Oct., 1264. He was afterwards created 
Earl of Chester, of Lancaster, &c. He was also Steward of England. In 1266 — 6 
he obtained the Castles of Carmarthen and Cardigan, which he exchanged for 
Wirksworth Manor, &c. He married Istly, on April 8th, 1270, Aveline, daughter of 
William, Earl of Albemarle, heiress to her father, and through her mother Countess 
of Devon and the Isle of Wight, she was also Countess of Holdemess ; she died s.p. 
Edmund married, 2ndly, Blanche, widow of Henry, King of Navarre^ and daughter 
of Robert, Earl of Artois, 3rd son of Louis VIII., King of Frahce. 

* Gilbert de Thornton was in 1279 appointed Attorney General, and in 1290 raised 
to the dignity of Chief Justice of the King's Bench, a post he held until 1296. 



14 



Rogi respoiid(^re. Et Gilbert de 

Thornton qui scquitur pro Domino 

Rege non potest hoc dedicere. Ideo 

consideratus est quod predictus Ed- 

mundus quo ad hoc inde sine die. 

Et Dominus Rex nichil capit per 

presentacionem istam, set perquirat 

sibi per breve si, etc. Et quo ad 

wappentachium de Wyrkesworth? 

dicit, quod ipse illud tenet eo waranto, 

quod Dominus Rex qui nunc est 

dedit ei wappentachium de Wyrkes- 

worth, et Manerium de Wyrkes worth 

et Essebum, et carta sua cpnfirmavit, 

habendum et tenendum eidem Ed- 

mundo et heredibus suis de ipso 

Domino Rege et heredibus suis, cum 

feodis Militum, advocacionibus ec- 

clesiarum, et omnibus libertatibus et 

liberis consuetudinibus et aliis rebus 
ad predicta maneria et wappentachia 
qualitercumque pertinentibus imper- 
petuum, in escambium pro Comitatu 
et Castro de Kermerdyn et Cardigan, 
et terris que prefatus Edmundus 
habuit in Comitatu predicto, et que 
eidem Domino Regi reddidit et 
quietum clamavit de se et heredibus 
6uis imperpetuum, faciendo inde 
Domino Regi et heredibus suis pro 
predictis maneriis et wappentachiis, 
servicium feodorum duorum Militum 
pro omni servicio. Et profert carta 
fiub nomine predicti Domini Regis, 
que predictas donacionem et conces- 
sionem testatur. Unde petit judicium 
fii debeat inde Domino Regi sive 
respondere. Ideo predictus Ed- 
mundus quo ad hoc sine die, etc* 



a writ. And Gilbert de Thornton 
who sues for the Lord the King 
cannot deny the same. Therefore it 
is considered, that the aforesaid 
Edmund as to this goes without a 
day. And the Lord the King takes 
nothing by that presentment, but 
may demand by writ if, etc. And as 
to the wappentake of Wyrkes worth, 
he says, that he holds it by the 
warrant, that our Lord the now 
King gave to him the wappentake 
of Wyrkesworth, and the Manor of 
Wyrkesworth and Essebum,* and 
by his charter confirmed the same, 
to have and to hold to the same 
Edmund and his heirs of the same the 
Lord the King and his heirs, with 
the Knight's fees, advowsons of 
Churches, and all liberties and free 
customs and other things to the 
aforesaid manors and wappentakes 
in any way belonging for ever, in 
exchange for the County and Castle 
of Kermerdyn and Cardigan, and the 
lands which the aforesaid Edmund 
had in the County aforesaid, and 
which to the same the Lord the 
King he rendered and quit-claimed 
for him aud his heirs for ever, 
performing therefore to the Lord the 
King and his heirs for the aforesaid 
manors and wappentakes, the service 
of two Knight's fees for all service. 
And he produces the charter in the 
name of the aforesaid Lord the 
King, which testifies the aforesaid 
gift and grant. Whereupon he prays 
judgment whether he ought thereof 
to answer to the Lord the King. 
Therefore the aforesaid Edmund as 
to this goes without a day, etc* 



^ Essebnm, now called Ashfoome, is a market town and parish in Co. Derby. 



15 



CHARTER ROLL. 18 EDWARD L ANNO DOMINI 1290. No. 78. 



■ ^t% Archiepiscopis, &c., Salutem. 

Cum MereducTis ab Rybert,V filius 
Ricardi ab Mereduch in prisona 
nostra, occasione transgressionum 
per ipsum factarum, vt dicitur, 
existens, per cartam suam dederit, 
concesserit, et confirmauerit Deo et 
Ecclesie Sancti Johannis Ewangliste, 
■n ri . . et Sancti Teulaci de 
■I jpr , Kaermerdyn, et Ua- 

^ nonicis ibidem Deo 
seruientibus, vnam acram terre iuxta 
cimiterium Ecclesie de Ebemant, et 
advocacionem eiusdem Ecclesie de 
Ebemant, cum capella de Kenewell, 
et omnibus aliis ad ea pertinentibus, 
que sunt de feodo nostro de Kermer- 
dyn, Habenda in liberam puram et 
perpetuam elemosinam. Nos' licet 
feoffamentum predictum perpetue 
firmitatis robur non possit optinere, 
tamen de gratia nostra speciali, 
dedimus, concessimus, et hac carta 
nostra, confirmauimus Deo ct Ecclesie 
predicte Sancti Johannis Ewangliste 
et Sancti Teulaci de Kermerdyn, et 
Canonicis predictis, predictam acram 
terre et predictam aduocacionem 
Ecclesie de Ebemant cum predicta 
capella de Kenewill, et omnibus aliis 
ad ea pertinentibus, Habenda eisdem 
Ecclesie Sancti Johannis Ewangliste 
et Sancti Teulaci, ac Canonicis et 
eorum successoribus in liberam et 
perpetuam elemosinam. Ita tamen 
quod predicti Canonici inueniant 
quemdam canonicum suum singulis 
diebus diuina celebrantem in predicta 
Ecclesia sua de Kermerdyn, pro 
animabus Stephani Baugan et Ricardi 



Wiit litttigi to the Archbishops, &c., 

Greeting. Whereas Meredith ab 

Richard, son of Richard ab Meredith, 

being in our prison, on account of 

offences by him committed, as it is 

said by his deed had given, granted, 

and confirmed to God and the Church 

of Saint John the Evangelist, and 

TP *\. n Saint Teilo* of Kaer- 
J^or the Canons j j j. xi. 

_c Tjr J merdyn, and to the 

of Kermerayn, ri xi, xi. 

^ ^ Canons there, the 

servants of God, one acre of land 
near the Cemetery of the Church of 
Abernant' and the advowson of the 
same Church of Ebemant, with the 
Chapel of Kenewell,* and all other 
things to the same belonging, which 
are of our fee of Kermerdyn, To 
hold in free, pure, and perpetual 
alms. We, although the feoffment 
aforesaid cannot have the force of 
perpetuity, yet of our special grace, 
have given, granted, and by this our 
Charter, have confirmed to God and 
the aforesaid Church of Saint John 
the Evangelist and Saint Teilo of 
Kermerdyn, and to the aforesaid 
Canons, the afomesaid acre of land, 
and the aforesaid advowson of the 
Church of Ebernant, with the afore- 
said Chapel of Kenewill, and all 
other things to the same belonging, 
To hold to the same Church of Saint 
John the Evangelist and Saint Teilo, 
and to the Canons, and their succes- 
sors in free alms for ever. Never- 
theless, the aforesaid Canons shall, 
by one of themselves celebrate divine 
service daily in their aforesaid Church 
of Kermerdyn, for the souls of 



* The words in the original text are " Cum M'educus ab Rybert filius Ricardi ab 
M'educh." The word "Rybert" is evidently a mistake for "Rychert," as the "Welsh 
ab (=:son of) plainly shews. 

* Teilo, one of the most celebrated saints of the ancient British Church, was born 
near Tenby, in Co. Pembroke. In A.D. 612, he was appointed Bishop of Llandaff, on 
the resignation of Bishop Dyvrig, or St. Dubritius. When the yellow plague 
prevailed, Teilo retired to Britanny, and on his return, after more than 7^ years 
exile, was elected to the Archbishopric of St. David's. He died A.D. 566. 

® Abemant Church is about 5 miles from Carmarthen. 

* Conwil is still a perpetual curacy, annexed to the Vicarage of Abemant. The 
Church and Village are 6| miles from Carmarthen, and 4 from Abernant. 



16 



Giffard, ac alioniin fidelinm in ob- 
sequio predecessomm nostrorum et 
nostro in partibus illis interfectorum 
imperpetuum. Quare volumus et 
firmiter precipimus pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris, quod predicti 
Canonici et eorum successores bab- 
iant et teneant predictam acram terre, 
et adaocacionem predicte Ecclesie de 
Ebemant, cum predicta Capella de 
Kenewell, et omnibus aliis ad ea 
pertinentibus, in liberam et perpetuam 
elemosinam. Ita tamen quod predicti 
Canonici inueniant quemdam canoni- 
cum suum singulis diebus diuina 
celebrantem in predicta Ecclesia sua 
de Kermerdyn, pro animabus Ste- 
phani Baugan et Eicardi Giffard, ac 
aliorum fidelium in obsequio prede- 
cessomm nostrorum et nostro in 
partibus illis interfectorum, imper- 
petuum sicut predictum est. Hiis 
testibus, Venerabilibus Patribus J. 
Wintoniensis, K. Bathoniensis et 
Wellensis, Cancellario nostro, A. 
Dunolmensis, et Th. Meneuensis 



Stephen Baughan* and Richard 
GifFard,* and other faithful subjects 
in the service of our predecessors 
and in our service, slain in those 
parts, for ever. Wherefore We will 
and firmly command for Us and 
Our heirs, that the aforesaid Canons 
and their successors shall have and 
hold the aforesaid acre of land, and 
the advowson of the aforesaid Church 
of Ebemant, with the aforesaid 
Chapel of Kenewell, and all other 
things to the same belonging, in 
free and perpetual alms. Neverthe- 
less that the aforesaid Canons, shall 
by one of themselves, celebrate divine 
service daily in their aforesaid Church 
of Kermerdyn, for the souls of 
Stephen Baughan and Eichard 
Giffard, and other faithful subjects 
in the service of our predecessors, 
and in our service slain in those parts, 
for ever, as is aforesaid. These being 
witnesses. The Venerable Fathers J. 
Winchester,' E. Bath and Wells,* 
Our Chancellor. A. Durham,* and 



^ Stephen Baugan, who is said to have been a valiant and famous Knight, was sent 
in command of ,3000 cavalry, to repress Llewelyn ab Griffith, Prince of Wales. 
Baugan arrived in Carmarthenshire by sea: pillaged T^ Gwyn Abbey: went through 
Carmarthen to Llandeilo Fawr, tq assist the English adherent — Rhys Vychan ab 
Rhys Mechyll. On their retreat thence to Cardiganshire, Baugan and his army were 
annihilated at Cymerau, on Sunday, 12th June, 1256. 

* He appears to have been one of the Giffards of Brimpsfield, Co. Gloucester;' and 
to have held the office of King's Justice of the Court, tempore Hen. II. 

3 John de Pontifera, or Pontois, was Bishop of Winchester from 1280 until 1304. 

* Robert Bumell, Archdeacon of York. He was keeper of the Great Seal from 
24 Feb., 1273, until his death in 1292; Lord High Treasurer, 1274—1278: Bishop 
of Bath and WeUs, 1274—1292. Journeying in 1284 to Aberconway, in Wales, and 
thence to Acton-Burnell, in Salop, he delivered, by patent, the Great Seal to Hugh 
de Kendal and Walter de Odyham; and in Sept., 1286, he, as Lord Chancellor, 
accompanied Edw. I. into France, whence he returned in August, 1289, with his 
Sovereign. 

* Anthony de Beck. This celebrated man, who died 28th March, 1311, from being 
Archdeacon of Durham, was advanced to that Bishopric in 1283. The Pope in 1305 
created him Patriarch of Jerusalem; and his King, Edw. I., gave him the Principality 
of Man. He was constable of the Tower also. In his youth he had been a gallant 
warrior. So modest was he that he avoided looking at the face of a woman, though 
he smiled at the frown of the monarch. So consciously chaste, that he alone, of all 
the prelates, could dare touch at York the sacred bones of Saint William. So false, 
that he disposed of an estate trusted to his honor. So vain, that for 40 herrings he gave 
a sum now equal to £40. So haughty, that he seized Edward the First's palfrey as a 
deodand: and he broke his heart when he was excommunicated by William Greenfield, 
Archbishop of York. He was 2nd son of Walter de Bek, of Eresby, in Co. Lincoln, 
the maternal nephew of Thomas de Multon, of whom mention has been previously 
made. 



17 



Episcopes; Edmundo fratre nostro; 
Willielmo de Valencia auunculo 
nostro; Edmundo Comite Cornubie 
consanguineo nostro; Henrico de 
Lascy, Comite Lincolnie; Koberto 
de Tybetot, et aliis. Datum apud 
Westmonasterium per manum nos- 
tram xv** die Maij. 



Th. Saint David's,' Bishops; Ed- 
mund^ our brother; William de 
Valence* our uncle; Edmund Earl 
of CornwalP our cousin; Henry de 
Lascy,* Earl of Lincoln; Kobert de 
Tybetot,* and others. Given at 
Westminster by our hand, the 16th 
day of May. 



* Thomas Beck (younger brother to Anthony de Beck) was Archdeacon of Dorset 
In 1279 he was made Lord High Treasurer of England, which oflBlce he. held until the 
year following, when he was appointed Bishop of St. David's. He died in 1294, and 
left to his brother John, Lord Eresby, the Isle of Steepholme, in Somerset, the 
advowson of the Church of Breen, two parts of the Manor of Midhurst, and a moiety 
of the Manor of Ford, in Co. Sussex. 

2 These have been previously annotated. 

' Edmund, grandson of King John, and son of Richard, King of the Romans, by 
his vnfe Sanchia, daughter of Raymond, Earl of Provence. Edmund was born in 
1250, and in 1271 was created Earl of Cornwall. In that year he married Margaret, 
sister to Gilbert de Clare. In 1289 he demolished Dryslwyn Castle, in Carmarthen- 
shire, and died without issue, 1st Oct. 1300. 

* This Henry was son to Edmund de Lacy (who enjoyed the Tertium Denarium of 
Lincoln), by his wife Alice, daughter to the Marquess of Saluces, in Savoy. Henry 
married Margaret, only surviving child and heiress of William Longsword, Earl of 
Salisbury, and through her had that Earldom. He was created Earl of Lincoln in 
1272, and died (1312) in his mansion-house, now called Lincoln's Inn, in London. 
His only child Alice married Thomas Plantagenet, Earl of Lancaster (nephew of 
Edw. I.), beheaded 22 March, 1322. 

* Robert was son of Henry de Tibetot. In 1277 he was appointed a commissioner 
to make peace between King Edward I. and Llewelyn ab GriflBlth, Prince of Wales. 
In 1279—80 he was appointed Justice of South Wales; and in the following year 
Governor of Carmarthen and Cardigan Castles. In 1292 (April 2nd) he defeated and 
captured Rees ab Meredith of Carmarthen, and slew 4000 of his men. He died in 
Sept., 1298. His only son and heir was Payne de Tibetot (born 1279), by his wife 
Ere, daughter of Payne (or Paganus) de Chaworth (=Cadurcis). 



18 



CHAKTER ROLL. 6th EDWARD 11. ANNO DOMINI 1313. 



Pro Burgensibus ) 

de Kaermerdyn. / |^J5^ Archiepis- 

copis, etc?., Salutem. Inspeximus 

cartam, quam Celebris memorie Domi- 

nus Henricus, quondam Rex Anglie, 

Auus Noster, fecit Burgensibus de 

Kaermerdyn in hec verba: *' Henricus 

Dei gratia, Rex Anglie, Dominus 

Hibernie, Dux Normannie, Aquitanie, 
et Comes Andegavie, Justiciariis, 
Vicecomitibus, et omnibus Ministris 
suis tocius terre sue, Salutem. Sciatis, 
nos concessisse pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, Burgensibus nostris de Kaer- 
merdyn, quod ipsi et heredes eorum 
imperpetuum sint quieti de theolonia, 
passagio, et pontagio, et omnibus 
consuetudinibus per totam terram 
nostram. Quare volumus et firmiter 
precipimus, quod predicti Burgenses 
de Kaermerdyn et eorum heredes, 
imperpetuum sint quieti de theolonio, 
passagio, et pontagio, et omnibus 
consuetudinibus per totam terram 
nostram, sicut predictum est. Hiis 
testibus, W. Carliolensis Episcopo; 
H. de Burgo, Comite Kancie, Justic- 
iario nostro; Thoma de Muleton; 
Henrico de Braybroc ; Radulph ofilio 
Nicholai; Godefrido de Craucumb; 
Ricardo de Argentem; Henrico de 
Capella, et aliis. Datum per manum 
venerabilis Patris Radulpbia Cices- 
triensis Episcopi, Cancellarii nostri, 
apud Westmonasterium xxij die Julij, 
Anno Regni nostri, undecimo." 
Inspeximus eciam confirmacionis 



For the Burgesses ) 
of Carmarthen. / gj^^ ^|,^jg ^o 

the Archbishops, etc? , Greeting. We 
have examined the Charter which the 
Lord Henry* of glorious memory, 
formerly King of England, Our 
Grandfather, made to the Burgesses 
of Kaermerdyn, in these words: 
" Henry, by the grace of God, King 
of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke 
of Normandy, Aquitaine, and Earl of 
Anjou, to His Justiciars, Sheriffs, 
and to all His Ministers throughout 
his Kingdom, Greeting. Know ye 
that We have granted for Us, and 
Our Heirs, to Our Burgesses of 
Kaermerdyn, that they and their 
heirs for ever should be free of toll, 
passage, and pontage, and all customs 
throughout Our Kingdom. Where- 
fore We will and firmly command that 
the aforesaid Burgesses of Kaermer- 
dyn, and their heirs for ever shall be 
free of toll, passage, and pontage, 
and all customs throughout Our Land 
as aforesaid. These being witnesses, 
W. Bishop of Carlisle;* H. de Burgh, 
Earl of Kent,* Our Justiciar; Thomas 
de Muleton;* Henry de Braybroc;* 
Ralph, son of Nicholas;* Godfrey 
de Craucumb;* Richard d' Argentine;* 
Henry de Capella,'* and others. Given 
by the hand of the Venerable Father 
Ralph, Bishop of Chichester,* Our 
Chancellor, at Westminster, the 22nd 
day of July, in the eleventh year of 
Our reign." 

We have examined also the Charter 



1 Henry III. 

^ These have been annotated in a former page. 

3 Henry de Capella was probably the keeper of the Archives or Records. Spelman 
describes the word thus: " Capella non a sacris tantum locis fuit, sed etiam Graphiar- 
ium secretarium charto phylacium et archivum quo mandata et responsa regia chartae 
epistolae et brevia a capellanis regiis condebantur, scribebantur et emittebantur," &c. 

* Ralph de Neville was in 1213, made keeper of the Great Seal under Peter de 
Roches, Bishop of Winchester. Was consecrated Bishop of Chichester in 1223, which 
office he held until 1245. He was elected to the Archbishopric of Canterbury, but 
the Pope rejected him. On the 12th Feb., 1226, the Parliament made him Chancellor 
for life, and in 1232 he was made Chancellor of Ireland for life. Six years later, 
Henry III., by his own prerogative, took the Great Seal from him, and gave it to 
Geoffrey de Neville (brother to Ralph), and John de Lexintune, although Ralph 
retained the profits of the office. 



19 



quam idem avus noster fecit prefatis 
Burgensibus in hec verba: ^*Henricus, 
Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie, Dominus 
Hibemie, Dux Normannie, Aquitanie, 
et Comes Andegayie, Archiepiscopis, 
Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Co- 
mitibus, Baronibus, Justiciariis, 
Forestariis , Vicecomitibus ,Prepositis , 
Ministris, et omnibus Ballivis, et 
fidelibus suis, Salutem. Inspeximus 
Cartam, quam Edwardus, filius noster 
primogenitus, fecit Burgensibus de 
Kaennerdyn, in hec verba: ^* Ed- 
wardus, illustris Henrici Regis Anglie, 
"primogenitus, omnibus fidelibus suis 
hoc presens scriptum visurum vel 
auditurum, Salutem. Nouerit vni- 
uersitas vestra nos concessisse, dilectis 
et fidelibus Burgensibus nostris de 
Kaennerdyn,. omnes bonas leges et 
consuetudines quibus tempore Johan- 
nis Regis, Aui nostri, vel predeces- 
sorum suorum Regum Anglie h act enus 
vsi sunt et gavisi et communiam suam 
liberam in planis et boscis, in aquis, 
et in omnibus aliis aisiamentis optentis 
et vsitatis. Concessimus eciam pre- 
dictis Burgensibus nostris quod ipsi 
pro transgressione sen forisfactura 
servientum suorum catalla et bona 
sua in manibus ipsorum inuenta, aut 
alicubi locorum per ipsos seruientes 
infra terram nostram deposita qua- 
tenus sua sufficienter probarepoterunt 
non amittant. Et quod si dicti 
Burgenses aut eorum aliqui infra 
terram et potestatem nostram testati 
decesserint vel intestati nos vel 
heredes nostri bona ipsorum confiscari 
non faciemus, quin eorum heredes 
integre ipsa habeant quatenus dicta 
catalla dictorum defunctorum fuisse 
constiterit dum tamen de dictis 
heredibus noticia aut fides habeatur. 
Item concessimus eisdem Burgensibus 



of Confirmation which the same Our 
Grandfather made to the aforesaid 
Burgesses in these words : ** Henry, 
by the grace of God, King of 
England, Lord of Ireland, Duke 
of Normandy, Aquitaine, and Earl of 
Anjou, to the Archbishop, Bishops, 
Abbots, Priors, Earls, Barons, Jus- 
ticiars, Foresters, Sheriffs, Reeves, 
Ministers, and to all his Bailifils and 
faithful subjects, Greeting. We have 
examined the Charter which Edward, 
Our eldest son, made to the Burgesses 
of Kaermerdyn in these words: 
" Edward, the first-born of the illus- 
trious Henry, King of England, to 
all his faithful people by whom this 
present writing shall be seen or heard. 
Greeting. Know ye all that We 
have granted to Our dear and faithful 
Burgesses of Kaermerdyn all good 
laws and customs, which from the 
time of King John, our grandfather, 
or his predecessors. Kings of England, 
they have hitherto used and enjoyed, 
and their free common in plains and 
and woods, in waters, and in all other 
easements obtained and used. We 
have granted also to the aforesaid 
Burgesses, that they, for the trespass 
or forfeiture of their servants, should 
not lose their goods and chattels 
found in the hands of the same 
servants, or deposited by the same 
servants in any place within Our 
land, so far as they could sufficiently 
prove them to be their own. And 
that if the said Burgesses or any of 
them within Our land and power 
should die testate or intestate. We 
or Our Heirs would not cause their 
goods to be confiscated, but their 
heirs wholly should have the same, 
so far as it might appear that the 
said chattels were the property of 
the said deceased, whilst nevertheless 
notice or trust of the said heirs 
should be had. Also, We have^ 
granted to the same Burgesses that 
none of them within Our power 
should be sued for the debt of any 
neighbour, unless he should be a 



20 



nostri quod nullus eorum infra potes- 
tatem nostram vexetur pro debito 
alicuius vicini sui, nisi fuerit debitor 
vel plegius, et quamuis plegius ali- 
cuius, non cogatur solueredum debitor 
habeat vnde soluere possit. Et quod 
omnes transgressiones infra liberum 
Burgum suum facte per eorumdem 
Burgensium consideracionem emen- 
dentur sicut hactenus consueuit. 
Concessimus eciam eis quod si aliquis 
eorum alicui infra Burgum suum 
forisfecerit non ducatur infra portas 
Castelli dum possit inuenire bonos et 
saluos plegios de stando iuri, nisi pro 
transgressione pro qua plegiabilis non 
fuerit; et quam vis aliquis eorum 
aliquem rem claro die coram vicinis 
suis emerit, et postea res ilia fuerit 
calumpniata tanquam furtiua, amittat 
nisi tantum rem illam, set iurabit 
cum Sacramento vicinorum suorum, 
quod nesciunt rem illam emisse de 
latrone. Et quod nullus eorum 
cogatur acomodare ballivo suo ultra 
duodecim denaratas, nisi voluerit 
bona, voluntate sua. Et quod nulla 
inquisicio de rebus forinsecis fiat per 
predictos Burgenses, set per libere 
tenentes patrie sicut hucusque fieri 
consueuit. Et quod hie concessio 
nostra, rata et stabilis pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris predictis Burgensi- 
bus nostris perseueret, hoc presens 
scriptum sigilli nostri impressione 
duximus corroborandum. Hiis tes- 
tibus, Dominis Petro de Sabandia, 
Johanne filio Galfridi, Eble de Monti- 
bus, Willielmo de Pennis, Michaele 
de Fenis, Waltero de Merton, et 
multis aliis. Nos autem predictam 
concessionem ratam habentes et 
gratam eam pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, concedimus et confirmamus, 
sicut predicta Carta rationabiliter 
testatur. Hiis testibus, Gwidone de 
Lezin, Galfrido de Lezin, et Willielmo 
de Valencia, fratribus nostris ; Petro 
de Sabandia, Artaldo de Sancto 
Romano, Magistro Johanne Maunsell, 
Willielmo de Grey, Waukelino de 



debtor or surety, and although the 
surety of any one, he should not be 
bound to pay while the debtor had 
wherewith to pay. And that all 
trespasses committed within their 
free Borough should be corrected by 
the consideration of the same Bur- 
gesses, as hitherto had been accus- 
tomed. We have granted also to 
them that if any of them should 
forfeit to any one within their 
Borough, he should not be taken 
within the gates of the Castle, while 
he could find good and safe pledges 
for standing to law, unless for a 
trespass, which should not be bailable; 
and although any of them should buy 
anything in open day before his 
neighbours, and afterwards that thing 
should be charged as stolen, he should 
only lose that thing, but should swear 
with the oath of his neighbours that 
they did not know that thing to be 
bought from a thief. And that none 
of them should be bound to assist 
his bailifi" beyond twelve deniarates, 
unless with his own free will. And 
that no inquisition of foreign things 
should be made by the aforesaid 
Burgesses, but by the freeholders of 
the County, as then had been accus- 
tomed to be done. And that this 
Our grant may continue ratified and 
firm for Us and Our heirs to the 
aforesaid Burgeg^es, We have caused 
this present writing to be confirmed 
by the impression of our seal. These 
being witnesses. Lords Peter de 
Sabandia,* John the son of Geoff'rey,* 
Eble de Montibus,' William de Pen- 
nis,* Michael de Fenis,* Walter de 
Merton,* and many others. We, the 
aforesaid grant having ratified and 
confirmed for Us and Our heirs, do 
grant and confirm the same, as the 
aforesaid Charter reasonably witnes- 
seth. These being witnesses, Guido 
de Lezin,* Geoff'rey de Lezin,* and 
William de Valence,* our brothers; 
Peter de Sabandia,* Artaldo de Sancto 
Romano,* Master John Maunsell,* 



* These have already been annotated. 



21 



Ardern, Imberto Pugeys, Willielmo 
Gemun, et aliis. Datum per manum 
nostram apud Westmonasterium 
quarto die Februarij, anno regni 
nostri quadragesimo primo." In- 
speximus eciam Cartam quam clare 
memorie Dominus Edwardus, quon- 
dam Rex Anglie, pater noster, fecit 
predictis Burgensibus in hec verba. 
" Edwardus Dei gratia Rex Anglie 
Dominus Hibemie et Dux Aquitanie, 
omnibus Ballivis et fidelibus suis ad 
quos presentes littere peruenerint, 
Salutem. Cum Wallenses de Elued, 
Dercles, Ewydugaga, Yskennen, 
Mahatban, Commod Perueth et 
Hyrevrin, in penultima guerra Wal- 
lensi contra nos et pacem nostram 
existentes, et inimicis et rebellibus 
nostris adherent es, saniori postmodum 
ductis consilio ad pacem nostram 
venissent, et se et sua voluntati nostre 
totaliter submisissent, ac nos tunc ad 
melioracionem ville nostre de Ker- 
merdyn, et ad securitatem et tuicionem 
parcium adiacencium, concessissemus 
Burgensibus nostris, et omnibus alijs 
cuiuscunque condicionis fuerint de 
predicta villa nostra de Kermerdyn 
et veteri Kermerdyn, quod in boscis 
nostris de Mahatban, et omnibus aliis 
boscis dictorum Wallensium, tunc 
tanquam nobis forisfact, in manu 
nostra existentibus, in quibus, propter 
eorum densitatem, depredaciones et 
homicidia frequenter perpretabantur, 
liberam haberent communiam. Ita 
quod in eis, subboscum, quercus ad 
maeremium, et alias arbores succidere 
et asportare possent; et ipsos Bur- 
genses, per breve nostrum dilectis et 



William de Grey,* Waukelin de 
Ardern, Lnbertus Pugeys, William 
Gernun, and others. Given by Our 
hand at Westminster, the fourth day 
of February, in the forty-first year of 
our reign." We have examined also 
the Charter which the Lord Edward 
of famous memory, formerly King of 
England, Our Father, made to the 
aforesaid Burgesses in these words : 
" Edward (I.), by the grace of God, 
King of England, Lord of Ireland, 
and Duke of Aquitaine, to all his 
Bailiffs and faith fill subjects to whom 
these present Letters shall come, 
Greeting. Whereas the Welsh 
people of Elved,* Dercles,' Ewyd- 
ugaga,* Yskennen,* Mahathan,® the 
Commots of Perveth' and Hyrevrin,' 
in the late Welsh war being against 
Us and Our peace, and adhering to 
Our enemies the rebels, afterwards 
being led by better advised counsel, 
returned to Our allegiance, and wholly 
submitted themselves and theirs to 
Our will, and We then, for the 
improvement of Our town of Ker- 
merdyn, and for the security and 
defence of the parts adjacent, granted 
to Our Burgesses, and to all others 
of whatever condition they might be 
of Our aforesaid Town of Kermerdyn 
and of old Kermerdyn, that in our 
woods of Mahatban, and in all other 
woods of the said Welsh people then 
as forfeited to Us being in Our 
hands, in which, on account of their 
thickness, robberies and murders 
frequently were committed, that they 
should have free common. So that 
in them they could fell and carry 



' This has already been annotated. 

* Elfed, a hundred in Co. Carmarthen, now comprising 12, and part of 3 parishes. 
^ Derllys (=the oaken palace or court), a hundred in the same County. 

* Ewydugaga, sometimes called Gwydigada, was a commot in the "Great Hundred," 
and situate, according to Dr. Pughe, in the South of Carmarthenshire, between the 
rivers Towy and Tav. Can this word be derived from " Y gwydd a gagau"="the 
woods with apertures " or open vistas therein ? 

* Iskennen, a commot in the " Small Hundred " of Carmarthenshire, situate on the 
lower course of the river Cennen. 

* Mahathen, so written for Mallaen, was a commot in the " Small Hundred." The 
word expresses swampy land. Its position was about Llanarthney. 

' Perfedd, the central land, and Hirfryn, the long hill, were commots in the ancient 
Cantref Ffiniog, the Boundary- Hundred. 



"12^ 



fidelibus nostris Willielmo de Valen- 
cia, Auunculo nostro, et Pagano de 
Cadurcis, tempore illo locum nostrum 
in partibus ilHs tenentibus directum, 
in seisinam communie predicte poni 
fecissemus. Nos factum nostrum 
predictum ratum et gratum habentes, 
Volumus et concedimus, pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris, quod predicti Bur- 
genses, etomnes alii devillis predictis, 
et heredes et successores sui, per- 
cipiant et habeant predictam com- 
muniam in boscis predictis. Ita quod 
subboscum, quercus et ad maeremium, 
et alias arbores in eis, succidere et 
asportare possint pro volimtate sua, 
absque occasione vel impedimento 
nostri et heredum nostrorum, Justic- 
iariorum, Vicecomitum, Ballivorum, 
sen ministrorum nostrorum quorum- 
cumque imperpetuum. Inhibentes 
super grauem forisfacturam nostram, 
ne quis ipsos super communiam pre- 
dictam ut predictam est habenda, in 
aliquo perturbare sen inquietare pre- 
sumat contra concessionem nostram 
predictam. In cuius rei* testimonium 
has litteras nostras fieri fecimus paten- 
tes. Teste meipso apud Kedewelly 
nono die Decembris anno regni nostri 
terciodecimo." Nos autem concessio- 
nem et confirmacionem predictas ratas 
habentes et gratas eas pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris, quantum in nobis 
est, concedimus et confirmamus, sicut 
Carte predicte rationabiliter testantur , 
et prout ijdem Burgenses et eorum 
antecessores libertatibus predictis 
hactenus rationabiliter vsi sunt. Hiis 
testibus, venerabili Patre W. Wygorn, 
Episcopo; Gilberto de Clare, Comite 



away the underwood, oak for timber 
and other trees ; and, by Our Writ 
directed to Our dear and faithful 
William de Valence,* Our Uncle, 
and Payne de Cadurcis,* at that time 
Our Lieutenants in those parts. We 
commanded the same Burgesses to 
be put in possession of the aforesaid 
Common. We our aforesaid grant 
ratifying and confirming, We will 
and grant for Us and Our heirs, that 
the aforesaid Burgesses and all others 
of the Towns aforesaid, and their 
heirs and successors, shall take and 
have the aforesaid common in the 
woods aforesaid. So that the under- 
wood, oak for timber, and other trees 
upon the same, they can fell and 
carry away without hindrance or 
impediment of Us, our Heirs, 
Justices, Sheriffs, Bailiffs, or our 
servants, whatsoever for ever. For- 
bidding that any one upon Our 
grave displeasure, in any wise pre- 
sume to disturb or molest them upon 
the aforesaid common contrary to our 
grant as aforesaid. In witness whereof 
We have caused these Our Letters 
Patent to be made. Witness Ourself 
at Kedewelly, the ninth day of Dec- 
ember, in the thirteenth year of Our 
reign. We the aforesaid grant and 
confirmation having ratified and 
confirmed for Us and Our Heirs, as 
much as in Us is, do grant and 
confirm the same, as the Charters 
aforesaid reasonably witness, and as 
the same Burgesses and their prede- 
cessors the liberties aforesaid have 
hitherto reasonably used. These 
being witnesses, the Venerable Father 



* This has already been annotated. 

* Payne de Cadurcis, otherwise Chaworth (born 1244 — 6), was son of Patrick (slain 
near Cilgerran in 1268),' by his wife Hawys, daughter and heiress of Sir Thomas de 
Londres, Lord of Ogmore and Kidwelly. In 1270 Payne, with his brothers Hervey 
and Patrick, accompanied Prince Edward to Palestine. In 1277 he was appointed to 
command the King's Army in West Wales, and having repressed the disturbances, 
was rewarded by being made Governor of the Castles of Dynevor, Careg Cennen, and 
Llandovery, in Co. Caermarthen. He gave the monks of Whitland, in that County, 
nineteen acres of arable land. He died unmarried in 1278 — 9, seized among other 
manors, of that of East Garston, in Berks, an appurtenance of Kidwelly. As his 
brother Hervey had been slain in a skirmish near this last named town, in 1276, 
Patrick became his heir. 



23 



Gloucestrie et Herefordie; Adomaro 
de Valencia, Comite Pembroch; 
Johanne de Britamer, Comite Eiche- 
mnndie; Hugone le Despencer; 
Henrico de Bello Monte; Edwardo 
de Malo Lacu, SenescallO hospitii 
nostri, et aliis. Datum per manum 
nostram apud Westmonasterium tercio 
die Maij. 

Per finem xx marcaram. 



W. Bishop of Worcester ; * Gilbert 
de Clare,* Earl of Gloucester and 
Hereford ; Adomar de Valence,' Earl 
of Pembroke; John de Britamer,* Earl 
of Richmond; Hugh le Dispenser;* 
Henry de Beaumont;* Edward de Malo 
Lacu,' Steward of Our household, and 
others. Given by Our hand at West- 
minster, the third day of May. 
For a fine of 20 marks. 



* Walter Reginald, Prebendary of St. Paurs, who had been the King's School- 
master, was appointed Lord High Treasurer in 1307. Under him was John de Sandall 
as Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 1308 he was consecrated Bishop of Worcester. 
On the 6th July, 1311, he had the custody of the Great Seal, and the next year was 
made Lord High Chancellor, which office he held for two years. In 1313 he was 
translated to the Archbishopric of Canterbury, " not as a man of learning, but for his 
great skill in theatrical plays." He died in 1327. 

' Gilbert de Clare waa son of Gilbert the Red, Earl of Gloucester and Hereford, 
by his 2nd Countess, Joan of Acres, 3rd daughter of Edward I. He was bom in 1290. 
In 1310— 1 he was constituted guardian of the realm of England, during the King's 
absence. On 24th June, 1314, while leading the vanguard of the English at the 
battle of Bannockbum he was slain. He was married, but left no surviving issue. 

* Adomar, or Aymer de Valence (bom 1280), was the 3rd son of William de Valence 
(previously annotated). Earl of Pembroke, by his Countess Joan, daughter and heiress 
of Warren, Lord Montchensy (de Monte Canisio), In consequence of the eldest 
brother John's dying young, and the second William's being slain near Llandeilo 
Fawr, in Co. Carmarthen, Aymer succeeded to the Earldom in 1296. While Guardian 
of the Scottish Marches in 1306 he caused Robert Bruce's brother, Nigel, and all with 
him to be hanged in Kintyre. He married, firstly, Beatrix, younger daughter of 
Raoul de Clermont, Siro le Nesle, Constable of France; she died in 1320, s.P. 
Secondly, a daughter of tlio Earl of Barre, who d. s.P. Thirdly, Mary, daughter of Guy 
de Chatillon, Count of St. Paul, by his wife Mary, daughter of John, Duke of Britanny, 
and Earl of Richmond. Aymer attended Queen Isabel into France, and was murdered 
there, 23rd June, 1323, leaving no issue. He was tall and pale in countenance. 

* John de Britanny was son to Sir Peter Mauclere (of the blood-royal of France), 
titular Earl of Richmond in England, by Alice, daughter of Guy de Toarche, by 
Constance, daughter and heir to Conan, Duke of Britanny and Earl of Richmond. 
This Constance was by her first husband mother to the murdered Prince Arthur. 
Earl John fought in Palestine; and in 1307 — 8 was Royal Lieutenant over Scotland. 
He married Beatrix, daughter of Henry III., and sister to Edward I., whom he buried, 
A.D. 1276, in the Gray Friars, London. He died in 1334, leaving no issue. 

* Hugh le Despencer, son of Hugh the senior, by Isabel, widow of Patrick 
Chaworth or de Cadurcis, and daughter of William de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. 
After the decapitation of the worthless Piers Gaveston, this Hugh became, with his 
father Hugh, the minion of the despicable Edward II. Among other numerous 
grants, he obtained the Governorship of Dynevor and Dryslwyn Castles, in Co. Car- 
marthen; aU Gilbert de Clare's Royalties in Glamorgan; a grant of Careg Cennen 
Castle, and the lands of Iskennen: for his wife he procured all the land of Gower, 
with the Castle and Town of Swansea, the Castles of Oystermouth, Penarth, and 
Laughame, and other rich lands in Wales. He married Eleanor, eldest daughter and 
coheir of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, and was hanged at Hereford, 
29th November, 1326, leaving issue, Hugh (bom 1308), Edward, Gilbert, and Isabel. 

* Henry de Beaumont (bom 1284), a relative to Eleanor, Queen to Edward I., came 
to this country through her means, and obtained lands in Lincolnshire: and did 
service in guarding the Scottish Marches. In 1310—1 he had a life-grant of the 
Isle of Man, and the same year married Alice, a cousin and coheiress of John, Earl 
of Buchan, the Lord Constable of Scotland, The year following he obtained a grant 
in fee of Cornhill, Harrow, and Little Greensted. In 1319—20 he obtained the 
manors of Thoresway, Lin wood, and Styveton, in Co. Lincoln. In 1330 he bore 
the title of Earl of Buchan; and eight years later was made Justice of Scotland. 
He died in 1340, leaving a son and heir John, and Elizabeth married to Nicholas de 
Audley, son to Lord Audley. 

' De Malo Lacu^ Mauley. 



24 



PATENT ROLL. 1st EDWARD IIL ANNO DOMINI 1327. 



Pro Burgensibus 

de Kaermerdyn 

,''et aliorum 

Burgorum de 

Wallia. 



^tX omnibus ad 
quos, etc* Salu- 
tem. Inspeximus 
litteras patentes 
Domini Edwardi, nuper Regis Anglie, 
patris nostri, in hec verba: "Ed- 
wardus, Dei Gratia, &c., omnibus 
Ballivis et fidelibus suis in Wallia 
ad quos, &c., Salutem. Cum tem- 
pore Domini Edwardi, quondam 
Regis Anglie, patris nostri, anno 
regni sui tricesimo tercio, quondam 
Princeps Wallie eramus, per ipsum 
patrem nostrum et consilium suum 
ac nostrum, pro emendacione et 

melioracione Burgi nostri de Ker- 
merdyn, et aliorum burgorum nos- 
trorum in Wallia, ordinatum esset, 
quod nullus in partibus vicinis burgis 
nostris predictis per quinque leucas 
in circuitu, emeret vel venderet 
mercimonia, quocunque nomine cen- 
serentur, nisi in ipsis burgis, sub 
forisfactura mercimoniorum predic- 
torum per certum balliuum nostrum 
ad hoc specialiter deputandum, 
capiendorum ad opus nostrum, 
postquam eidem balliuoj constaret 
manifesto per se, vel per con- 
sideracionem Curie nostre, quod 
huiusmodi mercimonia emerentur, vel 
manifeste venditioni exposerenter, 
licet eciam non venderentur, exceptis 
biis que in locis per Cartas priuilegia- 
tis; et exceptis pane et ceruisia in 
predictis burgis in grosso emptis, 
que postmodumin part§ per ementes, 
licite vendi possunt : exceptis eciam 
carnibus et piscibus, scissis caseis, 
ouis, puUanis, et huiusmodi minutis 
vendibilibus, cera tamen, aut sepum 
extra burgos predictos in grosso 
non venderetur : et quod dicta 
ordinacio proclamaretur et publi- 
caretur per Justiciarium nostrum 
in .singulis Curiis burgorum, Sen- 



For the Burgesses "\ 

of Kaermerdyn f g{i|» ^ijxn to 
and other Boroughs Tall to whom, 
of Wales. J etc * , Greeting, 
We have considered the letters 
patent of the Lord Edward, late 
King of England, Our father, in 
these words: .** Edward, by the 
grace of God, &c.^ to all his 
Bailiffs and faithful subjects in 
Wales, to whom, &c.. Greeting. 
Whereas in the time of the Lord 
Edward, Our father, in the thirty 
third year of his reign when We 
were Frince of Wales, it was or- 
dained by the same Our father, 
and his and Our Council for the 
amendment and improvement of 
Our Borough of Kermerdyn, and 
of Our other Boroughs in Wales, 
that no one should, in the parts 
adjoining Our aforesaid boroughs 
within a circuit of five leagues, buy 
or sell wares, by whatsoever name 
they might be designated, except 
in those boroughs, under forfeiture 
of the wares aforesaid by Our certain 
bailiff, for that purpose specially 
deputed, to be taken to Our use, 
when that to the same bailiff it 
should clearly appear by his own 
or by the consideration of Our 
Court that such wares were bought 
or exposed to sale, although not 
sold, except those in places privileged 
by charters ; and except bread and 
ale in the aforesaid boroughs bought 
in gross and afterwards divided" by 
the buyers, which lawfully might 
be sold : except also meat and fish, 
cut cheeses, eggs, poultry, and such 
small saleable articles, wax also nor 
tallow (or siiet) should not be sold 
in gross out of the aforesaid 
boroughs : and that the said or- 
dinance should be proclaimed and 
published by Our Justiciar in every 
Court of the boroughs, stewards, 
and Counties of those parts four 



25 



in singulis Curiis burgornm, 8en- 
escallorum et Comitatnum partium 
illarum quater in anno. Nos voluntes 
ordinacionem predictam firmiter et 
inuiolabiliter obseruari de cetero 
et teneri, Vobis mandamus, quod 
contra ordinacionem predictam nichil 
omnino attemptetis seu attemptari 
permittatis, quominus dicta ordinacio 
pro emendacione et melioracione 
burgorum nostrorum predictorum, 
sub forisfactura predicta ad opus 
nostrum capienda, modis omnibus 
valeat observari. In cujus rei 
testimonium has litteras nostras fieri 
fecimus patentes. Teste meipso apud 
Westmonasterium tercio die Maij, 
anno regni sexto." 

Nos autem ordinacionem predictam 
acceptantes, et eam firmiter et 
inuiolabiliter obseruari volentes, 
vobis mandamus quod contra 
eandem ordinacionem nichil omnino 
attemptetis seu attemptari permittatis 
quominus ipsa ordinacio pro emen- 
dacione et melioracione burgorum 
nostrorum predictorum sub forisfac- 
tura predicta ad opus nostrum 
capienda modis omnibus valeat 
obseruari. In cuius rei testimonium 
has litteras nostras fieri fecimus 
patentes. Teste Rege apud West- 
monasterium viij die Pebruarij. 

Per ipsum Regem et Consilium. 



and Counties of those partfe four 
times in the year. We, willing that 
the aforesaid ordinance be henceforth 
firmly and faithfully observed and 
held, command you that you neither 
do nor permit anythmg whatsoever 
to be done against the aforesaid 
ordinance, by which the said or- 
dinance for the amendment and 
improvement of Our aforesaid bor- 
oughs may in any way be the less 
observed, upon forfeiture as aforesaid 
to Our use to be taken. In witness 
whereof, We have caused these Our 
letters patent to be made. Witness 
ourself at Westminster the third 
day of May in the sixth year of 
Our reign." 

We, the ordinance aforesaid truly 
accepting, and willing that it be 
firmly and faithfully observed, Com- 
mand you, that you shall neither 
do nor permit anything whatsoever 
to be done against the said ordinance, 
by which the said ordinance for the 
amendment and improvement of our 
aforesaid boroughs may in any way 
be the less observed, upon forfeiture 
as aforesaid to Our use to be taken. 
In witness whereof. We have caused 
these Our letters patent to be made. 
Witness the King at Westminster, 
the 8th day of February. 

By the King and Council. 



26 



PATENT ROLL. 18th RICHARD IL ANNO DOMINI 1394. 



De Licencia ^ 
dandi ad V ^{J omnibus ad 
manu Mortuam. j qnog^ etc*, Salu- 
tern. Sciatie, quod de gratia nostra 
speciali, concessimus et licenciam 
dedimus, pro nobis et beredibus 
nostris, quantum in nobis est, dilecto 
ligeo nostro Thome Rede, quod 
ipse duodecim mesuagia, tria tofta, 
triginta acras terre, et vnam acram 
prati, cum pertinenciis, in Nova 
Kennerdyn, que de nobis vt de 
corona nostra, tenentur; et que 
valorem centum solidorum per annum 
vt dicitur non excedunt, dare possit 
et assignare cuidam capellano, diuina 
singulis diebus in quadam Cantaria 
in bonorem beate Marie infra 
ecclesiam beati Petri de Kennerdyn 
ab antiquo fundata celebratura. 
Habendum, et Tenendum eidem 
Capellano et successoribus suis 
Capellanis eiusdem Cantarie diuina 
singulis diebus in Cantaria predicta 
celebratura imperpetuum. Et eidem 
Capellano quod ipse mesuagia tofta 
terram et pratum predicta cum 
pertinenciis a prefato Thoma recipere 
possit, et tcnere sibi et successoribus 
suis predictis, in forma predicta 
sicut predictum est, imperpetuum, 
tenore presencium, similiter licenciam 
dedimus specialem, Statute de terris 
et tenementis ad manum mortuam! 
non ponendis edito seu eo quod 
predicta mesuagia, tofta, terra, et 
pratum de nobis, vt predictum est, 
tenentur non obstante. Nolentes 
quod predictus Thomas vel heredes 



For License \ 

of giving to Vgljj gjjjjg to all to 
Mortmam. ) ^^om, etc.% Greeting. 
Know ye, that of Our special grace, 
we have granted and given license 
for Us and Our heirs, as much as 
in Us is, to our dear liege* Thomas 
Rede, that he may give and assign 
twelve messuages, three tofts,* thirty 
acres of land, and one acre of 
meadow, with the appurtenances in 
New Kennerdyn, which are held 
of Us as of Our crown, and which 
do not exceed the value of one 
hundred shillings 'yearly as it is 
said, to a certain Chaplain to 
celebrate divine service daily to 
the honour of the blessed Mary, in 
a certain Chantry anciently founded 
within the church of the blessed 
Peter of Kermerdyn, to have and 
to hold to the same Chaplain and 
his successors. Chaplains of the 
same chantry, to celebrate divine 
service daily for ever in the Chantry 
aforesaid. And by the tenour of 
these presents, we have likewise 
given special license to the same 
Chaplain, that he may accept from 
the aforesaid Thomas, and hold to 
him and his successors in form 
aforesaid for ever as is aforesaid, 
the messuages, tofts, land, and 
meadow aforesaid, with the appur- 
tenances, notwithstanding the Statute 
enacted against placing lands and 
tenements in mortmain, or so much 
more that the aforesaid messuages, 
tofts, land, and meadow are held 
of Us as' is aforesaid. Willing that 
the aforesaid Thomas or his heirs, 
or the aforesaid Chaplain or his 



* Thomas Read of Carmarthen was in 1388 appointed the King's Attorney-General 
for South Wales. He married the daugliter of Thomas de la Koch, ab John ab 
Robert, Lord of Roch Castle (as Golden Grove MSS.), and was father of William 
Read, grandfather of Thomas Read, Lord of Manor Gain, and great grandfather of 
Richard Read of Green Castle, within 3 miles of Carmarthen. The Read family is 
still extant. 

' A toft is the ground where a dwelling has stood. 



27 



sui ant prefatus Capellanns eeu 
successores sui ratione premissorum 
per nos vel heredes nostros Justicios, 
Escuetores, Vicecomites aut alios 
balliuos seu ministros nostros vel 
herednm nostrorum quoscumque inde 
occasionentnr molestentnr in aliquo 
seu grauentur. Saluis tamen nobis 
et heredibus nostris seruitiis inde 
debitis et consuetis. In cuius, &c. 
Teste Eege apud Castrum de 
Hauerford xxiiij die Septembris. 
Per breve de priuato sigillo. 



successors, by reason of tbe premises 
be therefor in no wise impeded, 
molested, or grieved in any way 
whatsoever, by Us or Our heirs, 
Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, or 
other the Bailiffs or Ministers what- 
soever of Us or Our heirs. Saving, 
nevertheless, to Us and Our heirs 
the services therefor due and accus- 
tomed. In witness, &c. Witness 
the King at Haverford Castle, the 
24:th day of September, 

By Writ of Privy Seal. 



28 



PATENT ROLL. Ibt HENRY VL ANNO DOMINI 1423. 



De confirmacione | 

I^o^s j %e% omnibus ad 

quos, etc*, Salutem. Inspeximus 
litteras Patentes carissimi domini 
et Patris Nostri, Regis defuncti, dum 
erat Princeps Wallie, factas in hec 
verba : 

"Henry, aisn^ filz au noble Roy 
D'Engleterre et de Pfrance, Prince 
de Gales, Due de Guyene, de Lan- 
castre et de Cornewaill, et Coute 
de Cestre, k toutz ceulx qui cestes 
noz lettres verront ou orront, Salutez. 
Sachez que nous auons ordene et 
constituit nostre biename John Rous 
nostre chief carpenter de toutz noz 
Chastelx en South Gales, k avoir 
et occupier mesme P office pur terme 
de sa vie, preignant pur ses gages 
sys denier s le iours, par les mayns 
de nostre Chamberleyn de South 
Gales, pur le temps esteant, pour 
auisi que Tauaunt dit John se 
goueme et porte bien et loialment 
en I'office suis dit. En tesmoignance 
de quele chose nou auons fait fair 
ces noz lettres patentes. Done* 
soubz nostre seel en nostre Chastell 
de Kermerdyn, le xj iour Nouembre 
Tan du regno du Roy nostre dit 
seigneur et pier Henry Quart, puis 
le conquest noefisme." 

Nos autem dictas litteras prefati 
patris nostri, de auisamento magni 



Confirmation ) 

for Rous. J f he f ittJg to all to 
whom, etc*, Greeting. We have 
examined the letters patent of Our 
most dear lord and father, the 
deceased King, made when he was 
Prince of Wales, in these words : 

"Henry, eldest son of the noble 
King of England and France, Prince 
of Wales, Duke of Guienne, Lan- 
caster, and Cornwall, and Earl of 
Chester, to all who shall see or 
hear these Our letters. Greeting. 
Know ye, that we have ordained 
and constituted Our beloved John 
Rous, Our chief carpenter of all 
Our castles in South Wales; to 
have and to occupy the same office 
for the term of his life, taking for 
his wages six pence per day by the 
hands of Our Chamberlain of South 
Wales for the time being ; provided 
that the aforesaid John conducts 
and bears himself well and faithfully 
the said office. In Witness 



m 



whereof. We have caused these Our 
letters patent to be made. Given* 
under Our seal in Our Castle of 
Kermerdyn, the eleventh day of 
November in the ninth year of the 
reign of the Bang Our said lord 
and father Henry the Fourth, after 
the conquest." 

We, the said letters of' Our 
aforesaid father, with the advice of 



* This charter in Norman French was granted on the 11th November, 1407, when 
the donor [afterwards Henry V., the gaJlant and generous Victor at Agincourt] 
was in the prime of his youth, viz. : 19 years of age. His freaks when Prince, so 
divertingly depicted by Shakespeare, are not sufficiently authenticated by contem- 
porary evidence. They were about 220 years after his time first mentioned by Hall 
and Stowe. Henry had many fine qualities, and seems to have been nniversally 
beloved. He was bom at Monmouth, and Shakespeare writes : 

K. Hen.—! wear (the leek) for a memorable honour. For I am Welsh, you know, 
good countryman. 

Fiuellen. — All the water in Wye cannot wash your Majesty's Welsh plood out of 
your pody, I can tell you that : Got pless it, and preserve it, as long as it pleases his 
grace, and his majesty too 1 

K. Ben. — Thanks, good my countryman. 

Fiuellen. — I am your majesty's countryman, I care not who know it : I will confess 
it to all the world : / need not to be ashamed of your majeity, praised be Got, so long as 
your majesty is an honest man. 

K. Hen.— God keep me so ! 



29 



coneilij nostri, approbamus, ratifi- 
camns, et confirmamus, prout littere 
predicte rationabiliter testantur. In 
cuius, etc». Teste Rege apud 
Westmonasterium xxiij die Ffebru- 
arij. 

Per breue de priuato Sigillo. 



Our great Council, do truly approTe, 
ratify, and confirm, as tbe aforesaid 
Letters reasonably testify* In wit- 
ness, etc*. Witness the King at 
Westminster, the 23rd day of Feb- 
ruary. 

By Writ of Privy Seal. 



30 

INVENTORY OF CHURCH GOODS IN CARMAR- 

THENSHIRE. 

|lCp0rt ttf ih (S^Ommmmem appointed by Edward VL, A.D., 1552, 
to take and make "a just viewe, survey, and inventorie of all maner 
of Goods, Plate, Jewells, Vestyments, Bells, and other ornaments, within 
euery parisshe," &c. 

Exchequer Augmentation Office. Church Goods. 

Wales. 

' Comitat' Cabrm'thbn. 

Hundred' de Kydwellye. 

P'ochia de > In p'mis, ij chalyces of sylv' p'cell gylt. 
Kydwellye. 3 ^*'™> * small crosse of sylv' p'cell gylt. 

It'm, a sence of sylv*. 

It'm, a pyxe of sylv', p'cell gylt. 

It'm, iiij belles, great and small. 

It'm, one chalyce in the handes of Morys ap Res,^ gent. 

Llangenyth.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Saint Ismaelles.' In p'mis, one chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

It'm, a chalyce in Hawlkyng churche,* a chaple annexed 
to the same p'rishe. 

Llanellye \ In p'mis, ij chalyces. 

cu' capell'. 3 -^-^'^9 ^^j ^^^^ great and small. 

It'm, a chalyce in the hands of H'oll Harry Nycholas,* 
which he bought apon his owen costes & charges, to 
s'ye the chaple of Saynt John' annexed to the sayd 
p'ishe. 

It'm, in the chaple of Saynt Diddgye,' one chalyce. 

It'm, in the chaple of Saynt D'D,' a chalyce. 

It'm, a chalyce in the chaple of Saynt Gwnlei.* 

It'm, a bell there. 

^ Morris ab Bees resided at Llechdwnny. He was son of Bees ab Morris ab Owen 
ab Griffith ab Nicholas (the same ancestry as the present Lord Dynevor's^. He left 
four daughters, and five sons who assumed the surname ^' Bowen." Moms's mother 
was the heiress of Llechdwnny. 

' By this word Llangennech or Llangenych is meant. It is a chapel (not in 
charge) to the Vicarage of Llanelly, in the patronage of Bees (Coring Thomas, Esq., 
of Llannon. 

' Ismael, sujBb*agan Bishop under St. Teilo, Archbishop of Menevia, was son of an 
Armorican named Budig, by Arianwedd, sister to the Archbishop. 

^ Hawlkyng, or Halkin Church, is now known as Llansaint. 

* Howel ab Henry ab Nicholas ab Thomas ab Griffith ab Nicholas. Howel was 
of the same stock as the above Morris ab Bees. 

« The Bev. D. Williams, the estimable Vicar of LlaneUy, kindly says, that "Saint 
John's CJhapel is in Glyn Mawr (=The Great Glen); Saint David's, now in mins, at 
Llwynhendy, in Berwick manor, Llanelly ; and Gwnlei must mean Gwynllyw ;" if so, 
it must be Gwynllyw the Warrior (great grandson of Cadell Deymllwg), who in the 
5th centuiy renounced his worldly possessions, and devoted himself to a religious life. 
St. Dyddgu'B Chapel stood in Hengoed Manor. 



31 

Llandevaylog ") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
cu' capell'. 3 It'm, a chalyce jin gage of xiij •. iiij ? put by the p'ishio's 

there to by a p'aphras of Erasm ?. .* 
It'm, ij belles. 

It'm, a chalyce in the chaple of Llangenhython,* 
It'm, a bell. 

Llangendeyr' ") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
cu' capell'. 3 It'm, iij belles. 

It'm, a chalyce in Saynt Dethgen* is chaple. 
It'm, a boll. 

It'm, a chalyce, in Saynt Johns* chaple. 

* 

Llantobye.* In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij belles, great & smalle. 

Llanddarog ") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
cu' capeir. 3 Ifm, iij belles. 

It'm, in Bronach® is chapell, a bell. 

Llanarthney. In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij belles. 

It'm, in Lanllia' is chaple, a chalyce. 
It'm, ij bells unpayd for, as the p'ishn's there doth saye. 
It'm, in Saynt D'D^ is chaple, a chalyce whiche the 
p'ishn's there hathe solde xij moneth past. 

Llanguno'.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

Bett'." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Llanone." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

* In 1552, it was charged against Bishop Ferrar, the martyr, that the churches 
appropriate to him, and almost all the clergy, lacked English paraphrases, although 
plenty were on sale in the diocese. He replied that George Constantine, one of his 
accusers, had covetously engrossed nearly the whole of them. 

' Cynheiddon was a saint of the 5th century, and said to be a grand-daughter of 
Brychan, Regulus of Breconshire. 

* This Church was dedicated to Saint Cyndeyrn, or Kentigem; founder of the 
Bishoprics of Glasgow and St. Asaph. He was grandson of Urien Reged. 

* This name is called Hyddgen in the Myvyrian Archaeology, p. 747. The wall& 
of Capel Dyddgen are still up, and were used as a cow-house. St. John's Chapel la 
now converted into a farm-house. 

* Llandybie : the Church was dedicated to Tyb'ieu, who was slain near it by the 
pagans in the 5th century. She was said to be a daughter of Brychan's. 

* Brynach the Irishman, was son-in-law and chaplain to Brychan. He founded 
seven Churches. The above chapel has been in ruins for more than 230 years. 

^ Llanliian, as marked on the ordnance map, is about four miles southward of 
Llanarthney Church. It should be spelt Llanlleian=<Ae Nun*8 Church, It is said 
she was the daughter of Brychan, and had been wife to Gavran ab Dyvnwal Hen, by 
whom she had Aeddan the Traitor. 

* Saint David's, or Capel Dewi, now ruinated, is between Carmarthen and Llan- 
arthney Village, being four miles from each. 

* Llangunnor Church is dedicated to Cynyr of Caergawch in Pembroke- 
shire. He was the maternal grandfather of Saint David. 

'"^ Bettws : some say this word is a corruption of Beatus; others, of Bead-houseszA 
house of prayer. This is but a small parish, containing about eight square miles. 
" Llan-nonn : Nonn was mother of St. David. 



32 

Llanedye.^ In p'mis, a clialjce. 

It'm, a bell. 
It'm, a chalyce, in varyaunce betwyxt the p'ishn's there, 

and Llandylo penybont,* whyc chalyce now remayneth 

in Llanedye. 

Penbrey.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij great belles. 

» 

Hundred de Keihynoke. 

P'ochia de ") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
Karrag.* y It'm, a bell. 

Llanllonye.' It'm, a chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

Llanybeth'r" ") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
cu' capeir. y It'm, in the chaple of Ab'go5.1egh' a chalyce. 

It'm, in Llanybeth', a bell. 
It'm, in the sayde chaple, a bell. 

Llanvenyth.' In p'mis, a chalyce, which is in gage of iiijJ! w'th one 

D'D Jon Lloyd* put by the p'ishn's there. 
It'm, ij belles there. 

Llanvyhangell ") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
yereth." y It'm, ij belles. 

It'm, a chalyce in Pencadyr" is chaple. 

Llangathe." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij belles. 
Llanvyhangell"") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
Rose y come. 3 It'm, ij belles. 

' The Chnrcli of this small parish is dedicated to St. Edith. 

* Llandilo-pen-y-bont is the adjoining parish to Llanedy, but is in Glamorgan. 
The river Lloughor separates the two parishes. 

* Penbre^^Ae head or extremity of the promontory, 

* The Church of Carreg (^=zCrctg) is dedicated to St. Patrick. 

' Its Church is dedicated to Llonio, the long armed. Dean at Llanbadam in the 
beginning of the 6th century, 

^ Llanybyddair (=the Church of the Ambuscade, i.e., where the onslaught oc- 
curred) : its Church is dedicated to Saint Peter. 

^ Aber-gorlech^the confluence of the rivers Gtorlech and Cothi : the former river 
is so called from the remarkable stones in its bed. 

* The Church of Llanvynydd (or The Mountain-Church) is dedicated to St. Egwad. 
' David John Lloyd was a magistrate, who resided at Ynyswen in Llanegwad 

parish, a mansion but three miles from Llanvynydd Village. He derived his descent 
from Gwyddno Garanhir, whose arms he bore. By his wife, Margaret, a nat. dau. of 
John Yaughan, of Golden Grove, Esq., he had one daughter, and ten sons. 

*® Llanfihangel= CAurcA of St. Michael, The origin of the agnomen Yeroth, or 
lorwerth, Anglicet Edward, is a moot point. The probability is, that some Edward 
erected the building in honour of St. Michael, and afterwards, to distinguish it from 
the many Churches bearing the same name, it was given the name of its founder. 

*' Pencadair signifies, the head or chief chair^ possibly of the Bardo-Druidic Order. 
The chapel is in ruins; but the grave yard is preserved. Th^e is an immense 
tumulus (unopened) at this place. 

** This Church and the Hundred in which it is situated, take their names from 
Cathan, grandson to Caradog of the Brawny Arm. He flourished circa A.D. 600. 

*' Llanvyhangel-rhos-y-Com (the latter word is a corruption of ceirion^s^St, 
MichaeCe Church on the berry-moor-land : the place produces hurtle- and bil-bemes. 



33 

Llanegwade' > In p'mis, a chalyce. 

cu' capell. 3 I^''^? ij belles. 

It'm, a chalyce in Llanherenyn' is chaple, in the handes 

of Jeu'n D'D Gruflf'. 
It'm, there a bell. 
It'm, a chalyce in the chaple of Gwnllow' in the handes 

of G'lter ap Yeroth. 
It'm, there a bell. 
It'm, a chalyce belonging to the sayd p'ishe churche, 

pledged for ij yeres past, to one John Drap'/ and now 

beyng in the handes of Thomas D'D Will'm,* for the 

some of XX ?. . 

Llanvyhangell"> In p'mis, a chalys. / 

ab' bothyugh. > It'm, ij belles. 

Hundred de Derlles, 
P'ochia de 7 In p'mis, a chalyce. 
Keflfyg.^ y It'm, iij belles. 

Marras." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a small bell. 

Pendyne.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Eglwys Ken-> In p'mis, a chalyce. 
ney.'* > It'm, a small bell. 

Llansadume'." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

Llandawke." In p'mis, a lytyll bell, & no chalyce. 

Llandowrer." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

* Llanegwad is dedicated to St. Egwad, great grandson of Gildas. He flourished 
in the 7th century. 

* Llanynhemyn=:The Church in Hemin, a hamlet in Llanegwad. The site is on 
Twyn farm. 

» GwynlliWj Latinised into Gunleius : see note 6, p. 30. 

* John Draper resided at Carmarthen. He took an active part in the proceedings 
against Bishop Ferrar. 

* Thomas David Williams was of Brynhavod. By his wife, a daughter of Mr. 
Glyn, he left an heir, David. 

* Llanfihangel AberbythichssSt. Michael's Church at the. influx of the river 
Bythich, eleven miles east of Carmarthen. Bythig means The constantly flowing. 

^ This name is said to be derived from Cefn=za, rising ground, and Ffigen. a bog. 

* Marr6s=Mawr-rh6s=The great Marsh. The Church is dedicated to St. Lawrence. 
® Pendine=Pen-dain=The beautiful summit. 

*• This place is now called Eglwys Cymmun, which, some say, means The Com- 
munion Church. However, it was in this parish St. Teilo was born. Vide Liber 
Landav. pp. 363, 522. 

** This Church was founded by Sadwm Hen, the son of Cynyr, of Caer Gawch in 
Pembrokeshire. He lived in the 6th century. 

** Founded by St. Oudoceus, often written Docheu. He was Bishop of Llandaflf, 
after the death of his uncle St. Teilo, in 663 or bQQ. The bishops of that diocese 
claimed supremacy over the southern parts of Pembrokeshire, and a portion of 
Carmarthenshire. The Church is dedicated to St. Margaret Marloes. 

*' This word is a corruption of Llan-dyfr-wyr=The Church of the Waterman. In 
the Life of St. Cybi, it is spelt Llandaverguir. It is further mentioned that before 
Cybi went thence to St. David's, he left a small parti-coloured hand bell at this 
Church. The place derived its name from some fishermen whom St. Teilo pla<?ed 
there on his propertv. 
6 / 



34 



Laugharne.* In p'mis, ij chalyces. 

It'm, iij belles. 

Llanstepha'.* In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij belles. 

Marbell Church.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

Llandylo.* In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Llangledwy.* In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Egemion.* In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Llangan.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij belles. 

Henllan.* In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

Capel Vayre.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Meydrem.** In p'mis, ij chalyces. 

It'm, ij belles. 

Llanyihangell." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Saynt Clere." In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij belles. 



' The ancient name of this place was Aberooran=The outlet of the river Goran. 
The present name is supposed to be from T^l-y-coran, Talycharn. The Church is 
dedicated to St. Martin. 

* Dedicated to Ystyphan, great grandson of Cadell Deymllwg, Prince of Powis. 
He lived about 650. He was called the Bard of St. Teilo. Some of his poetry is 
preserved in the Myvyrian Archaeology. 

^ The Marble Church was in the hamlet of Llanybre, and was or rather is now 
used by the Independents as their place of worship, Llanybre (=The Church on a 
hill) is otherwise said to be derived from one Olbrey or Awbrey, who resided there ; 
and his well is still called Ffynnon Olbrey. 

* This Church is 4§ miles N.W. of Llanstephan, and is situate on the river Cywyn. 
The "Book of Llandaff " states it was given to St. Teilo, whose name it now bears. 

* This is dedicated to St. Cledwyn one of the sons of Brychan. 

* Egermont=:Egyr Mwnt, Anglice^ the mound containing an acre. There is a 
small but very ancient camp close to the Church. 

^ Llangan was founded by Cain, daughter of Caw of Twr Celyn. In this parish 
stood the celebrated abbey called Ty Gwyn (=White or Holy House), where Howell 
the Good summoned a great council to amend and make a code of laws circa 940. 

* Henllan-amgoed=:The old Church surrounded by woods. There are many an» 
tiquities in the parish. 

» Capel Vair=St. Mary's Chapel. 

*® Mydrim=the route that subdivides. A Roman road ran through this place 
from Carmarthen to St. David's. 

" This Church, dedicated to St. Michael, lies on the banks of the Cywyn. 

" The Church is supposed to have been erected by a lady named Clara, who be- 
came its patron saint after canonization. 



35 

Llangenyn.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, ij belles. 

Llanwonyi.* In p'mis, ij belles, & no chalyce. 

Llanbeydy.' In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, iij belles. 

Langayng.* A chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Llangonoke.* In p'mis, a chalyce, a bell. 

Hundred de Elvet, 

Kenarth.* In p^mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Saynt Johnis' ") In p'mis, a chalyce. 
Chaple. 3 It'm, a bell. 

New Castle." In p'mis, a chalijs. It'm, a bell. 

Llangeller.® In p'mis, a chalyce. 

It'm, a bell. 

Penbeyre." In p'mis, a chalyce. It'm a bell. 

Bettus Capella." In p'mis, a bell & no chalyce. 

Treff lech." A chalyce and one bell. 

Ab'nant." In p'mis, a chaylys and one bell. 

Conwyll." A chalyce and ij belles. 

NewChurch." A chalyce and a bell. 

M'th 1 ." A chalyce and a bell. 

' Llangenyn, or Llanginning, was founded by St. Cynin, son of Tudwal Bevr. 
The edifice is also sometimes c^ed "Llangynin a'i weision"="The Church of Gynin 
and his attendants." He lived in the 6th century. 

' Llanwynio is dedicated to St. Gwyno, a friend and contemporary of St. Iltutus. 

' Llanbeydy, or as it is now spelt, Llanboidy, is most probably a corruption of 
Llan-bod-Dewi=The Church in which (St.) David dwelt. Llanboidy is but 3 miles 
N. of Ty Gwyn Abbey, near which place St. David spent ten years. 

* Founded by Cain, daughter of Caw, son of Geraint ab Erbyn. 

* Founded by Cynog [Kinothus], who was archbishop of St. David's in 644. 

" Kenarth, by syn^resis, for Cefn Garth, the summit of the enclosibg mountain. 
The Church is demcated to St. Llawddog. 

' This is Capel leuan (=E van's Chapel) now so called. It is situate 4 miles 
southward of Kenarth. 

® Newcastle, formerly called Dinas Emlyn, is a chapelry in the parish of Kenarth. 

* The Church is dedicated to St. Celer the Martyr. 

'* The Church is dedicated to St. Llawddog. There are several Roman remains in 
this parish. 

** This chapel is one of ease to Trelech Church, and is situate 2 miles N.W. of the 
latter. It is now in use. 

** TT^lech=zThe concealed homestead^ or The dwelling of stone. The Church is con- 
secrated to St. Teilo. 

" Abemant=The rivulet's efflux. The Church is dedicated to St. Lucia. 

" Cynwyl:=The front guard-station. Cynwyl appears also as the name of a saint 
of the 6th century; and he is said to have founded this Church. He was son of 
Dunawd the Wily. 

>* Newchurch is 3 miles N.N.W. from Carmarthen. 

" Merthyr=Martyr. The Church is dedicated to St. Martin. In the "Vita Sancti 
David" (Cott. MSS.) there is mention made of a Saint Martin in the province of Kid- 
welly. The parish is often called "Merthyr Mynach"=:The Martyr-Monk. 



36 

Ab'gwylly.* ij belles and no chalyce, quia furat' fait. 

LlanvyhangeU' > ^ ^j^^^^ ^^ j. ^^^y^ 
eucnwylly. i •* 

Villa Karm'then*, 

In p'mis, a chalyce. 
It'm, iiij belles. 

Hundred* de P^veth, 

Llanvayr ar > In p'mis, ij chalyce and iiij belles. 
y bryne.' > It'm, a lyttel Bell at Llange' vab. 

Llandyngad.* A chalyce, and one lytle bell. 

It*m, more there, & iiij great belles. 

Meddyey." A chalyce and one bell. 

It'm, a bell at the chaple. 

Llanyddoysant." In p'mis, a chalyce, and ij small belles. 

It'm, one chalyce, w'th Res Will'm Thom's Goz,' gent. 

Llansadiirn." A chalyce and ij belles". 

Llangadog.' A chalyce and iij belles. 

(Endorsed) ^ ., Carmarthen. 

Certificat of belles, plate, &c. 

* The Church, formerly a collegiate one, is dedicated to St. Maurice. This parish 
contains the palace of the bishops of St. David's, at present occupied by the ven- 
erated and world-known scholar, Dr. Connop Thirlwall. Abergwili=The influx of 
the Gwili; this word signifies a river of devious course. 

* Llanvihangel-uwch- Gwili was a chapel of ease, but is now a pei^taal curacy. 
It is 4 miles east from Abergwili, the mother-church. 

' Llanvair-ar-y-bryn=St. Mary's Church on the hill. It was the site of a Boman 
station. There is a singularity about the situation of this Church : it is erected about 
a mile's distance from the parish which bears the same name. 

* The Church is dedicated to St. Dingat, a son of Brychan, who it is said founded 
it: other authorities say he was the son of Nudd Hael, and flourished in the 6th 
century. 

^ Myddvai Church honours St. Michael. The parish was famous for its physicians ; 
and David ab Gwilym says,— 

" Meddyg ni wnai modd y gwnaeth 
Myddfai, o chai ddyn meddfaeth." 

The name is derived from Mawdd-fai=The spreading plain. 

* Llanddausant="The Church of the two Saints." viz., St. Simon and St. Jude. ' 
' Rees Williams, son of Thomas Goch^ or the Ruddy, was a gentleman who lived 

at Ystradffin, in co. Carmarthen; and he was High Sheriff in 1546, 1649. and 1662. 
He was descended from the Lords of Cayo and Cilycwm : his wife was Anne, 
daughter of Hugh David Lewis of Harpston, in co. Radnor, by whom he left five 
daughters and 3 sons, the eldest of whom, Thomas, was High Sheriff in 1577 and 
1592. Thomas's wife, Joan Price, of the Priory, Brecon, became afterwards wife to 
Thomas Jones, Esq. [the celebrated Twm Sion Catty]. 

® Sadwm was a member of St. Asaph's College. 

® Cadog (5th century) was son of Brychan. Cressy says he died in 490. He was 
buried in France. 



37 



AUGMENTATION RECORDS. EDWARD VI. A.D. 1546-7. 
Certificates of Colleges and Chantries. 

The Certificate to the Right Worshipfull ST. Walter Myldemay^^ Knighty 
and Robert Keylwey^ Esquyer, Comyssioners to the King's Maiestie, 
for the sale of all Collegs, Hospitalism and Chauntreys, ^c, by the 
Surveyour of Suth Wales, 

mLEl } % Sttfe ^0^ 0r dj^rti^tate of all the Colligies, Chaun- 
teries, Ffree Chappells, Ffraternytes, Brotherhedes, Stipendaries, 
and such other, w'h the names of the Maisters, Govemours, 
Incumbents, or other Ministers of the same, w*h all suche Lands 
and somes of money which e were gyven to the fynding of 
Gramer Scoles, and to be distributed emongst poore people w'hin 
the survey of JOHN BASSET,' particler surveyor there, made 
by virtue of a Letter to the said »John Basset, directed frome 
the Right Worshipfull ^l Walter Myldeniaye, Knight, and 
Robert Kelwey, Esquyer, the King's Maiesties Comyssioners 
for the sale of all Chauntrey Lands. 



Comitatua Karmerthen, 



Ther is w'tin the 
said parish one free 
Chapell, called the 
Rode Church,* wher- 
unto ther dothe ap- 
pertaine Lands and 
Tenements of the 
clere yerlie valew of . . 



c 

wherof 



' In the Stipende 
of Nicha* By- 
forde. Incum- 
bent ther of 
thage of liiij 
yeres, hauynge 
other spirituall 
promocons of 
the yerlie va- 
lewe of 

[penc*. iiijS vj?. 



J 



••••IS • • 



* Sir Walter Mildmay became afterwards (under Queen Elizabeth) Chancellor of 
the Exchequer. He it was that erected in 1584, Emmanuel College, Cambridge, on 
the site of a Dominican Priory. 

* Robert Kelway was from Dorset. He left Oxford without taking his degree, 
and in time became a barrister of the Inner Temple ; and in 1552 was made Sergeant 
at Law, when he was surveyor of the King's Wards and Liveries. He died in 1580, 
and was buried at Exton, in Rutlandshire. His funeral sermon, preached by Anthony 
Anderson, was printed in 1581. 

' John Basset was one of the family of Beaupr^ in co. Glamorgan. Trebasset, 
within a mile of Carmarthen, is now corruptly termed Tre-bersed. Trebassed signi- 
fies Basset's homestead. 

* The Rood Church was dedicated to St. Mary.' It stood between the present Town 
Hall and Nott's Monument. 



38 



The 
parishe 

of 
K.armer- 

then. 



Ther is w*tin the 
said parishe one 
Chapell* in the Castle 
ther, wherunto ther 
dothe apperteine one 
yerlie pencon paid 
by the Kings Ma'ts 
Receyuor of the same 
comynge to the clere 
yerlie yalewe of . . . 

Ther is also w'tin the ' 
said parishe one ser- 
yice called our Lady 
service' wherunto ther 
doth apperteine Londs 
and Ten*ts yeven to 
thentent to fynde a 
Prest for euer, and 
the same Londs put 
in ffeffment to the 
same vse, beinge of 
the clere yerlie valewe 

of J 



Ctj ?. viij ^ 
wherof 



Iv" Tiijd 
wherof 



' In the Stipende 
of John Molde, 
Incumbent ther, 
of the aige of 
xlij yeres. . . . 

penc*. iiij " XTJ .■ 



In the Stipend 
of one Morice 
ap Griffith, 
Gierke, Stipin- 
dary Prest ther, 
of the age of 
thre score and 
twoe yeres, hau- 
ynge none other 
spirituall pro- 
mocyon 
penc. Iv* viijl! 



'iiijJixvj?. 



-Iv* viij 



J 



* This chapel was known as Prince Edward's chapel, otherwise the King's Chapel. 

* This service was performed in the chauntry of the Church of St. Peter, Carmar- 



then. 



39 

CERTIFICATES OF COLLEGES [AUGMENTATION 
RECORDS]. EIJWARD VL A.D. 1548. 

Walls. / Sl^Il* %rtl^tat of Sir Thorn's Johns,* Knyght, Dauid 
Broke, Sargyant at Law, John Bassett, John Rastall, and John 
Phillip Morgan, gentilmen, auctoriseid by the Kings Ma'tie 
Comission, datid the xiiij* of Ffebniare, iij the second yere of 
the Reigne of o*r seid Soveryne Lord the King, Edward the 
Sext, by the grace of God, of England, Ffraunce, and Ireland, 
King, Defendor of the Ffaithe, and in Earth Supreme heid of 
this Churche of England, and also of Irelond, to Surveye all 
and singler Colleigs, Chaunteries, Ffree Chappells, Ffraternytes, 
Brotherheids, Guyldes, and Salary es of Stipendarye Prests, 
having perpeteuytes for ever, whiche were in esse, or had bene 
w*tin V yeres next before the iiij'.? of Novembre last past : and 
also all Manors, Lands, Ten'ts, Hereditaments, and Possessions, 
w't the Good and Ornaments, Plate and Jewells to the same 
belonging or apperteynyng, being w'tin the circuyt and surveye 
of the above named John Bassett, particler Surveyor ther, as 
here after more planely may appere. 

The Countie of Karmerdin, 

Ther is w'tin the said parishe one Ffree Chappell of o*r Ladie, com only 

callyd the Roode Churche, in the towne of Karmerden, wheronto there 

doth apperteyne lands and ten'ts of the clere yerely valew of ix}f x? as 

more planely yt may appere by the Rentall therof, the whiche lands and 

ten'ts of olde tyme haithe bene gyven to thententt to fynd one prest for 

ever to synge morow masse dalye there, and the prest to have for^ 

his salarye and towards the Reparacions of the said lands and ten'ts, > vj? 

the said yerely rent of ixJ! x" which lands and ten'ts ar letten to one J 

Griflfyth Donne,* for xxj yeres, the said terme having comense- 

The parishe mentt the xx*^ daye of Novembre in the xxxvi'.^ yere of the 
of Karmerihen. . j» t ^ . a • r j jf xr 

reigne of or late Soueraigne Lord of most ramus memone 

Henry theight, laite King of England, yelding and paing 

therfor yerely, and the said Griffith Donne to repare the 

premisses during the said terme. 

In the stipend or wages of Nicholes By ford, Chauntreprest"\ 
The Stipend ^hg^e, having a perpeteuyte therin, being of thage of liiij f jj 
Chaun&ev 7^^^^ having other sp'uall promocons of the yerely valew ^ ^ • 
' Frest of xiijt!! vj .1 viij ^ J 

Et val. vltra clar n'l. 

* Sir Thomas Jones was of Abermarlais, co. Carmarthen. He was son to John ab 
Thomas ab Griffith ab Nicholas; and was the first M.P. for co. Pembroke. High 
SherifE for Carmarthenshire in 1641. He married 1st Elizabeth, dau. and coh. of Sir 
Edward Donne, of Abercyfor, knt.. and 21y Mary, dau. and heiress of Sir James 
Berkeley, knt., and widow of Sir Thomas Perrott, of Haroldston, knt. By his first 
wife he left two daughters ; by his second he had three sons and four daughters, of 
whom one, Catherine, took as her second husband Richard Basset, of Beaupr6. 

* Griffith Donne of Carmarthen was eldest son of Owen Donne of Ystrad Merthyr, 
Llandevaelog, by Maud Lloyd of Blaentren. By his wife Sage, daughter of John 
Vaughan of Golden Grove, he left 5 sons. Griffith Donne was one of the "utterest 
enemies " of Bishop Ferrar, the martyr, as that prelate wrote. 



4f) 

There is w'tin the said ffree Chappell or Chauntrey certeyn plate 
Ornaments *^^ ornaments. That is to saye, one Challes of Silver, \ 

weing ix ouncs, valevrid at xxixf.. One pare of Vest- ( ^^g 
ments of blew satten, Talewid at xx^, ij alter clothes f 
yalewid at iiij.*f , and ij smale bells yalewid at xt .■ , in ally 

Memor'd, that the Tennants and Ffermors of the said Chappell 
do pay oner and besydes the rent abova chargeid all the rents 
resoluts to the King his Ma'tie. That is to saye, for euery 
hole burgage xij !! , and for euery half burgage vj ^. . 

There is w*tin the said parishe one service called o'r lady ser- 
Asyett vice in the parishe Churche of Karraerthen wheronto there 
the parishe ^Qeth aperteyne lands and ten'ts of the clere yerely valew^ 

Karmarden ^^ ^^•' ^^^ ®^®^ *^^ besydes the rents resolute paid to > ..f-^ 
the King his Ma'tie. That ys to saye, of euery whalej 

burgage xij?, and of euery halfe burgage vjS, as yt more 
planely may appere by the Bentall. 

There is w'tin the Castell of Karmerthen, one Chappell, 

As yett called the Kings Ma'tie, a free Chappell wherof one John 

the parxshe Ji^oilde ys Incumbentt, whos age nor other spirituall pro- 

Karmerden. J^ocon was not prescntyd. The said John Moild recey v- 

ing yerely at the hands of the King his Ma'ties Receyvor 

there for his stipend 

The nombre There be w'tin the said parishe in howseling people to the> . n 
of houseling nombre of i ^^ " 

people, -^ 

Thanswer The same Towne of Karmerthen ys a fayre Merkett Towne, 
of the Toume having a fare haven, and the flfarest Towne in all South 
of Karmerden. Waills, and of most Scevillytie. 



vu 

• • • J 



41 



CHARTER ROLL. 17th HEN. IIL ANNO DOMINI 1233. 

MEMB. 4. 



Pro 



^ro Daniele de ) getttitttS flW, 
Kaermerthin. J &c., Salutem. Scia- 
tis nos concessi^se et hac carta 
nostra confirmasse pro nobis -et 
heredibns nostris Daniele Molendi- 
nario de Kaermerdin, quod ipse et 
heredes sui inperpetnum habeant et 
teneant molendinum illud extra muros 
de Kaermerdin snper aquam de 
Wynyeth, quod idem Daniel de li- 
cencia nostra leuauit ad custam 
snnm, reddendo inde nobis et heredi- 
bns nostril ipse et heredes sui 
singulis annis quinque solidus per 
manus Balliuorum nostrorum de 
Kaermerdin pro omni seruicio. Quare 
volumus etc* pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, quod predictus Daniel et 
heredes sui inperpetnum habeant 
et teneant predictum molendinum 
bene et in pace libere et quiete cum 
omnibus libertatibus et liberie con- 
"suetudinibus ad idem molendinum 
pertinentibus sicut predictum est. 
Hiis testibus, Venerabili Patre P. 



For Daniel of 
Kaermerthin 



in. J 



icnrir, ling, &c., 

Greeting. Know ye, that We have 
granted, and, by this Our charter, 
have confirmed, for Us and Our 
Heirs, to Daniel the Miller of Kaer- 
merdin, that he and his heirs for 
ever shall have and hold that Mill 
situate without the walls of Kaer- 
merdin upon the water of Wynveth,* 
which the same Daniel by Our li- 
cence, erected ' at his own cost : 
Rendering therefor to Us and Our 
Heirs each year five shillings by the 
hands of Our Bailiflfs of Kermerdin 
for all service. Wherefore We will, 
etc*, for Us and Our Heirs, that 
the aforesaid Daniel and his heirs 
for ever shall have and hold the 
aforesaid mill, wholly, peaceably, 
freely, and quietly, with all liberties 
and free customs to the same mill 
belonging, as is aforesaid. These 
being witnesses, the Venerable 
Father P. Bishop of Winchester.* 



* Gwynveth, from Gwyn and Maedd, the buffeting foamy stream. As the rent re- 
served for the above mill is the same as that paid for '*/?iWcor«" Mill, and is far 
below the sum paid for three other mills, mentioned in the " extent of the Manor of 
Carmarthen," made but 42 years after the above grant, it is evident they are the 
same. The long lapse of time and the change of names render it difficult to identify 
the site. The probability is, that Pontcarreg Mill, a mile from the town, is the name 
which it now bears. The water which works it is drawn from a stream now called 
ISant-yci^ or the Hound! s Brooke which issues from Ffynnon Wen, the White Fount, 
a distance of 3^ miles thence, as its course runs. . 

* Peter des Roches, or de Rupibus, was a Poictevin born. In 1204, he was conse- 
crated lUshop of Wincfiester, a diocese that had "the deepest manger, though Can- 
terbury had the highest rack," as William de Edington, bishop of that see, observed, 
when he refused the archbishopric, although elected. Peter had the custody of the 
King in his minority, and having great influence, obtained settlements of land and 
many honours. In 1213, he became Justiciar of all England. After displacing 
Hubert de Burgh, Peter crowded the court, and filled all offices with Poictevins, 
Gascons, &c., and soon rendered himself odious to the nation. Stowe, in his Annals, 
under the year 1233, relates tliat Robert Bacon openly preached against the Bishop, 
and his brother Roger Bacon both earnestly and pithily persuaded the King to avoid 
the Bishop's counsel. The barons also sent to Henry, threatening to depose him 
unless he would banish Peter. Wars, confiscations, etc*, ensued. At length, Peter 
was banished, but soon returned, and died in 1238. 

6 



42 



Wint: Episcopo. S. de Segraue, 
Justiciaro Anglic. Philippo de 
Albiniato, Petro de Malo Lacu. 
Eadulpho ^filio Nicholai. Johanne 
filio Philippi. Thoma de Hemme- 
graue. Galfrido de Canet. Johanne 
de Plesseto, et aliis. Datum per 
manum Venerabilis Patris R. Cyces- 
trensis Episcopi, Cancellarij nostri, 
apud Wigomiam, xxxP die Maij. 



S. de Segrave,* Justiciar of England. 
Philip de Albiniato,* Peter de Malo 
Lacu.* Ralph the son of Nicholas.* 
John the son of Philip.* Thomas 
de Hemmegrave. Geoffrey de Canet. 
John de Plessitis,* and others. 
Given by the hand of the Venerable 
Father R. Bishop of Chichester,* 
Our Chancellor, at Worcester, the 
30th day of May. 



* Sir Stephen de Segrave, knt., was son and heir of Gilbert, Lord of Segrave, in 
CO. Leicest., son of Hereward. In 1203-4, he was appointed Constable of the Tower. 
14 years afterwards he was a Justice in the " Curia Domini Regis." Having been 
a Justice-itinerant for the counties of Derby &; Nottingham, he was raised to the 
high office of Justiciar of England (A.D. 1219) on the removal of Hubert de Burgh, 
and made Governor of the Castles of Dover, Canterbury, Rochester, Windsor, Odi- 
ham, Hertford, Colchester, and the Tower of London. Matthew Paris says he was 
" more mindful of his own profit than of the common good : yet he died with much 
honour," in Leicester Abbey, 9th Nov., 1241. He married Ist Rohese, daughter of 
Thomas le Despencer, and sister of Hugh; 2|y Ida, sister of Henry of Hastings. 
His eldest son John died in 1231, and the next son, Gilbert, who married Annabel, 
daughter and coheir of Robert de Chaucombe, succeeded as heir. 

2 Philip de Albiniato, or Albiniaco, was a younger son of William de Albini Brito 
of Belvoir, by his wife Maud [born 1188], widow of Robert, son of Richard de Tun- 
bridge, and daughter of Simon de Saint Liz, the first Earl of Huntingdon of that 
name. Philip became Governor of Ludlow, and Bridgenorth Castles, the Island of 
Jersey, &c. He was present at Runnymead against the King. At the battle of 
Lincoln (12 May, 1217) he was a chief commander. In 1222, he went to. the Holy 
Land, and returned in two years* time. In 1236, he again went thither, and the 
following year died, and was buried there. 

' This Peter de Mauley was son and heir to Peter, by his wife Isabel, heiress of 
Mulgrave Barony, and daughter to Robert de Turnham. This lady and her inheri- 
tance were bestowed on Peter by King John, as a reward for his murdering the 
young Prince Arthur. The above witness was in 1234-5 made Governor of Devizea 
Castle, and two years later. Sheriff of Northamptonshire. In 1239, he stood [as one 
out of nine, 4 temporal and 5 spiritual barons] sponsor at the baptism of Edward, 
eldest son of Henry III. In 1241, he went to Palestine, and died the next year. By 
his wife Joan, eldest daughter of Peter de Bruce of Skelton, he left an heir, Peter. 
This family was of the blood royal of France, for Isabel's husband was grandson of 
Robert le Dreux, a younger son of Louis le Gros. 

* Previously annotated. 

5 Henry III., in the 19th of his reign, granted to this John, that Petronilla his 
wife, should, in case of his death, have the custody of his heir and lands, and the 
marriage of the former. 

* Ralph Neville, preyiously annotated. 



43 



PATENT ROLL. 26th HENRY IIL ANNO DOMINI 1242. 

MEMB. 3. 



} 



De terns Regis 

reddendis. f^^tJi Mereduco 

filio Resii, Salutem. Quia accepi- 

mus per Inquisicionem quod terra 
de Whidigadau debit esse domini- 
cum nostrum, et terra de Kadewely 
debet esse baronia nostra, Vobis 
mandamus quod predictam terram 
de Widigadau tanquam dominicum 
nostrum et predictam terram de 
Kadewely tanquam Baroniam nos- 
tram nobis reddatis. Teste Rege 
apud Portesm*. yij.® die Maij.* 



For the King's | 
lands to be Vgh^ ging to 
restored. ) Meredith> the son 
of Rees, Greeting. Forasmuch as 
We are informed by Inquisition 
that the land of Whidigadau ought 
to be Our Lordship, and the land 
of Kadewely ought to be Our 
Barony, We command yon that 
you restore to Us the aforesaid land 
of Widigadau as such Our Lordship 
and the aforesaid land .of Kadewely 
as such Our Barony. Witness the 
King at Portsmouth the 7th day of 
May. 



* Meredith, the son of Rhys Gryg, or The Hoarse, who was eon to the Lord Rhys 
ab Griffith ab Rhys ab Tewdwr Mawr. Rhys Gryg died at Llandeilo Fawr, in Co. 
Caermarthen, in 1234. He possessed Dynevor Castle, and the land attached to it, 
viz., the Great Hundred ; he had the commots of Kidwely and Camwyllion, by right 
of assignment in the partition (made by Prince of Llewelyn) of the family lands. 
His son, the above Meredith, succeeded ; and it appears that in the squabbles of that 
period he adhered to the English King's interests. Early in 1242, Henry III., by 
his writ, directed, John of Monmouth, the principal bailiff of the counties of Carmar- 
then and Cardigan, to value the lands in those counties ; and that inquiry produced 
the above order. Meredith was afterwards, by Henry's order, associated with 
Nicholas de Miles, &c., to eject the Welsh from their estates. Meredith died 6th 
August, 1271, in Dryslwyn Castle, and was buried close to the great altar in Tygwyn 
Abbey. 



44 



PATENT ROLL. 50th HENRY IIL ANNO DOMINI 1266. 

MEMB. 12. 



De muragio de 
Kennerdin. 



de I 

I. j|l^X BallAiis et 
probis hominibus de Kennerdin, 
Salutem. . Volentes ad instanciam 
filii nostri Edmundi vobis gratiam 
facere specialem, concedimus vobis 
quod consuetudines quas de rebus 
venalibus in villam vestram venien- 
tibus et eandem yillam exeuntibus 
percipere consueuistis ad villam 
vestram predictam claudendam de- 
cetero capiatis vsque ad festum 
Sancti Michaelis proximo futuro et 
ab eodem fasto Sancti Michaelis 
vsque in tres annos proximo sequen- 
tes completos. Ita quod completo 
termino dictorum trium annorum 
consuetudines predicte penitus ces- 
sent et deleantur. In cuius, &c. 
Teste Rege apud Kenilworth xxviij ?. 
die Junij. 



Concerning the ] 

murage of V g|t^ ging to the 
Kermerdin. j Bailiffs and good 
men of Kermerdin, Greeting. Wil- 
ling at the request of our son Ed- 
mund* to do you special grace, W.e 
do grant to you, that the customs 
of saleable things coming into your 
town and going out of the same 
town, which you have been accus- 
tomed to receive, you shall, for the 
purpose of enclosing your aforesaid 
town, take until the Feast of Saint 
Michael next following, and from 
the same Feast of Saint Michael 
until and for three years next follow- 
ing. So that, the term of the said 
three years being complete, the afore- 
said customs shall wholly cease and be 
extinguished. In witness, &c. Wit- 
ness the King at Kenilworth the 
28th day of June. 



1 Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, brother to Edward I., has been previously annotated. 
Edmund in l^is year (1266) had a grant from his father, of the Castles of Carmar- 
then and Cardigan, which he exchanged (8th Edw. L) for Wirkesworth Manor, and 
other lands in Derbyshire, &c. 



45 



INQUISITIONS. EDWARD L, JUNE, 1275. No. 84. 

(tMix Patwjri] At %tmtx- 

dill facta die Mercury proxima ante 
festum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, 
Anno regni Regis Edwardi Tercio: 
Coram Howel ap Meuric, et Henrico 
de Bray : per sacramentum Nicholai 
le King, Lauren tij Batin, Willielmi 
Chaumpeneys, Ricardi Chapmon, Jo- 
hannis Laurence, Magistri Elie, Melir 
Vawhan, Johannis Baret', Meridith 
ap Ricard, Gynon sib Henry, Howel 



mtni 4 ih Patter of %tr- 

tlt^rdtn made on Wednesday next 
before the Feast* of the Apostles 
Peter and Paul, in the third year 
of the reign of King Edward the 
Third: Before Howel ab Meurig,* 
and Henry de Bray : ' by the oath of 
Nicholas le King, Laurence Batin, 
William Champeneys, Richard Chap- 
man, John Laurence, Master Ely, 
Meilir Vaughan, John Barrett, 
Meredydd ab Richard, Eineon ab 
Henry, Howel Vaughan, Philip ab 



Vawhan, Philipp ap Liwel , (fefl Llewelyn, Griffith ab Eineon, Eineon 
ap Gynon, Gynon Vochan, Meridic' yychan, Meredith ab William, Rhys 



ap Wiir, Res' ap David. 

(jtltli ilittlllt per sacramentum su- 
um quod apud Kermerdin est quoddam 
castrum, in quo est quedam bona 



ab David. 

W]b BE1{ upon their Oath, that 
at Kermerdin there is a certain 
Castle in which is a certain good 



Dungeo, ex quinqne paruis turribus Dungeon constructed from five small 
constructa, que tam emendacione Towers, which is in want of repair 
indiget quam sustentacione. as well as keeping up. 

Est ibi quedam magna turris que A certain great Tower is there, 
magna indiget emendacione ; vna which is much in want of reparation : 



aula competens cmn camera indigent 
tantnm ut supra. 

Capella, Stabulum, et Coquina 
debiles, et porta Castri, quam fere 
nuUius ualoris. 

Sinmt eciam quod murus Castri 
nersus aquam, per longitudinem viij 
perticarum per perticam xxvj pedes 
Et murus a porta Castri usque ad 
angulum occidentalem per longitu- 
dinem X perticarum minantur ruinam 
et corruuntur in parte. 

SintUt tantum quod omnes de- 
fectiones tam turrium murorum 
quam domiciliorum de C. marcis 
pcssent emendari sen de nouo re- 
parari. 



one convenient Hall with a Chamber 
also require repairing as the above. 

The Chapel, Stable, and Kitchen 
are decayed, and the gate of the 
Castle, so as to be of no value. 

€jllt( fllBO BEt( that the Castle- 
Wall towards the water for the 
length of 8 perches (26 feet to the 
perch) And the wall from the Castle- 
Gate unto the western comer, for 
the length of 10 perches appear in 
a ruinous state and have partly 
fallen down. 

€lietj ElSn BEt( that all the de- 
fects as well of the ToWers and 
Walls, as of the Houses, can be 
amended and newly repaired for 100 
marks. 



> This feast was held on the 29th of June. 

' Howel ab Meurig appears to have been a partizan of the English ; for he, having 
been appointed by Sir Roger Mortimer, to be his constable of 3ie Castle of Keven- 
llys in Radnorshire, was with his wife and children, taken prisoner 29th November, 
1263 (twelve years before the date of this Extent), by the forces of Prince Llewelyn 
ab Griffith, and the Castle was demolished. 

* Henry de Bray has been previously noticed. 



46 



Sunt ibi in dominico C. acre terre 

arabilis per C. per per- 

ticam xxvj pedum, que quidem acre 
jacent in diuersis locis : scilicet : 
super Alishull, Lintlour, Lintlot, et 
in loco qui appellatur terra Archi- 
diaconi quarum quelibet acra exten- 
ditur ad iiij ? 

Summa xxxiij ■ iiij .4 . 

Sunt ibi in dominico xxix acre 
prati, quarum quelibet acra extendi- 
tur — ad iij * 

Summa — iiij ]} vij solidi. 

Est ibi quedam mora pasture 
separabilis iuxta pratum antedictum 
et valet per annum — x solidi 

Summa x sol. 

Est ibi quedam prisa uini que 
extenditur ad C. sol. 

Summa C. sol. 

Sunt ibi duo gurgites ad capien- 
dum Salmones, et quedam piscaria 
que coniunctim extenduntur — Iiij ?. 

• • • • J 

iiij ?. 

Summa — liij«. iiij 4 
Summa xiiij W iij ?. viij .4 . 

Extenta ) Sunt ibi tres Commot, 
Walescaria. J videlicet, Elued, Widi- 
gada, et Derclis, in quibus commot 
est magna multitudo Walensium 
tenentium de Domino de Kermerthin 
per Walescariam, et reddunt per 
annum xvij vaccas in communi 
et iiij solidos et ij denarios simi- 
liter in communi de argento, et 
hoc ..... in festo Sancti An- 
dree, quarum quelibet uacca exten- 
ditur ad V. solidos. Et est in opcione 
Domini vel balliui capere uaccas 
uel pro qualibet v. solidos. 

Summa iiij I! ix^j^} ij4. 

Et predicti Wallenses faciunt 



There are in demesne 100 acres 

of arable land 100 

(26 feet to the perch) which acres 
lie in divers places, to wit : upon 
Alishill, Lintlour, Lintloc* and in 
a place which is called The Arch- 
deacon's land,* each acre of which 
is valued at Ad, 

Sum. — 335. 4:d, 
There are in demesne 29 acres of 
meadow, each of which is valued 
at Ss. 

Sum. — £4 78. 
There is a separate pasture moor 
near the above said meadow, and it 
is worth yearly 10^. 

Sum. — 105. 
There is a certain prisage of wine 
which is valued at 100s. 

Sum.— 100s. 
There are two streams for the 
taking of Salmon and a certain 
Fishery, which together are valued 
at 53s. 4(/. 

Sum. — 53s. 46?. 
Sum.— £14 3s. 8^. 

Extent ) Three Commots are 
Walescaria. | there, to wit : Elved, 
Wydigada, and JDerllys, in which 
Commots are a great number of 
Welsh holding of the Lord of Ker- 
merthin, by Walecheria* and render 
yearly 17 Cows in common and 4 
shillings and 2 pence money also 

in common, and this at 

the Feast of Saint Andrew,* each 
cow being valued at 5 shillings : 
And it is at the option of the Lord 
or his Bailiff to take the cows or 
for each of them "5 shillings. 

Sum.-— £4 9s. 2d. 

And the aforesiaid Welsh do suit 



* These places are now recognized as Gwaen Ellis (part of AUtycnap), Cillevor, and 
Llanllwch. There are adjoining, the South- West portion of Carmarthen, eight 
meadows, which still bear the name of "The Archdeacon's Land." Four of these 
fields are those first traversed by the path leading from the Gasworks through. the 
" Five Fields " to the Royal Oak Turnpike Gate. 

* Walcheria. or Welsh Tenure, has been thus described : — " Quod quatuor villatae 
propinquiores loco ubi casus homicidii vel infortunium contigerit, veniant at proil- 
mum Comitatum, unacum inventore et Wallisheriay^i.e.f Parentela hominis interfecti, 
scilicet, unus ex parte patris, et aliis ex parte matris, et ibidem presentent factum 
feloniae et casum infortunii, etc« ." 

3 St. Andrew's feast was on the 30th of November. 



47 



s^tam ad comitatum de Kermerdin i at the County of Kermerdin every 
de mense ad mensem, et debent month, and are bound to come at 
venire ad quamcumque rationabilem every reasonable summons of the 
sumonicionem Domini uel sui balliui ' Lord or his Bailiff, or if not, to be 
alioquin amerciari. Et debent sequi amerced. And they are bound at their 



own charges to follow the Lord's 
standard in his march through Wales. 

There are in the Commot of 
Wydigada,' two small parcels of 
Welsh land, which are called Redrau 
and Clodori Cadevor (?) which the 
free Welsh hold, for which parcels 
they render in common 7s. 4^c?., 
and they do suit at the County, and 
all services the same as the aforesaid 
Welsh, except this, that where all 
the other Welsh give 10 shillings 
for their heriot,* they, for those two 
parcels, give only 2 shillings for their 
heriot. 

Sum. — 7s. 4|c?. 

There are for the certain rent of 
assize of the Mill of Towy' 30s. 
and for the Mill of Redgors* 5s. 

Sum. — 35s. 

There is a certain Mill which is 
called Bog- Mill (three parts of 
which belong to the Lord) which 
now lies (useless) for want of repara- 
tion to be repaired for 

1 mark, which, if repaired, would 
be worth yearly 26s. 8c?. Also 

the third part of a Mill which 
is called Dam Mill* is valued at 
13s. Ad. 

The County.) Pleas and Perquisites 
/of the County with 

heriots and all of the 

entire County are valued at £4. 

Sum.— £12 lis. e^d. 

* Wydigada is a Lordship for which courts leet are held at the present day, and 
includes the Parishes of Llanpumsaint and Llanllawddog, and parts of those of 
Ahergwili and Llanegwad. 

" Heriot meant originally the tribute due to the Lord of a manor, to enable him 
the better to prepare for war. 

» This mill, in late years entirely destroyed, was situate close to the river Towy 
on the South of the present Tin Mills. * 

* Red-gors Mill is thought to be the one now known as Pontcarree Mill and 
Bog-MiU th be Llanllwch MiU. 

* The Dam Mill formerly stood, as in Speed's map, outside the town walls close 
to the Dark Gate, on the site occupied by the corner house, formerly called the 
Nag's Head Inn, now forming part of the Half Moon Hotel. The lane to the 
the westward is still called Dame-street, which name was given it from the mill-dam 
whidi once supplied the water. 



uexillum Domini sui in partibus 
Wallie sumptibus propriis in exercitu. 

Sunt in Comoto de Widigada 
due particule terre Walense, que 
appeilantur Redrau et Clodori Cad- 
evor (?), quas quidam liberi Wallen- 
ses tenent, pro quibus particulis 
reddunt in communi vij * iiij ^. obolum, 

et faciuut sect am ad Comitatum et 
omnia seruicia qualia predicti Walen- 
ses hoc excepto, quod ubi omnes alii 
Wallenses dabunt x solidos pro suo 
herieto, ipsi de illis duabus particulis 
dabunt nisi ij solidos pro suo herieto. 

Summa vij f. iiij ^ ob. 

Sunt ibi de certo redditu assise 
de molendino de Thewi xxx?. et de 
molendino de Ridcors — v* 

Summa xxxv ?. . 

Est ibi quoddam molendinum quod 
uocatur Bok milne, cuius tres partes 
sunt Domini, quod modo iacet pro 

defectu reparacionis 

. . . reparari de j marca, quod si 
repararetur, ualeret per annum xxvj ?. 

viij?*. Item tercia pars molendini 
quod dicitur Dam Milne extenditur 
xiij* luj!*. 

Comitatus. jPlacita et perquisita 
J Comitatuum cum herietis 

et omnibus totius 

comitatus extenduntur ad iiijS. 

Summa xij ]\ xj 5. vj !* ob. 



48 



Baronia.) Dominus Rogerus de Mor- 
J tuomari tenet terciam par- 
tem Baronie de Sancto Olaro per 
Baroniam, et facit sectam ad Comi- 
tatum de mense in mensem, et 
debet placitare, et ob hominibus 
suis de Sancto Claro de ipso per 
feodum militis tenentibus in comitatu 
predict© per breve si necesse fderit 
implacitare. . . . Et ipse uel Bal- 
liuus suus debet sequi uexillum 
Domini de Kermerdin per Walliam 
suis sumptibus tempore guerre. 
Hnmfridus de Bown cum habuit 

saysinam tercie partis predicte Baronie 

debet facere sicut pre- 

dictus Rogerus. 

Heres de Cantilup cum 

habuerit seysinam sue tercie partis. . . 

Guido de Brian tenet Baroniam 



Barony.) Lord Roger de Mortimer * 
) holds the third part of the 

Barony of Saint Clears by Barony, 

and does suit every month at the 

County, and for his men of Saint 

Clears who hold of him by Knights' 

fee in the aforesaid County, by writ, 

if it shall be necessary. . . . And 
he or his Bailiff is bound to follow 
the standard of the Lord of Ker- 
merdin throughout Wales, at his 
own charges, in time of war. 

Humphrey de Bohun* when he 
shall have seizin of the third part of 
the aforesaid Barony is bound to 
do ... as the aforesaid Rosrer. 

The heir* of .... de Cantilupe* 
when he shall have seizin of his 
third part 

Guy de Brian* holds the Barony 



' Lord Roger was son of Sir Ralph Mortimer, by his wife Gwladys Ddu. daughter 
of Llewelyn ab lorwerth, paramount Prince of Wales. Roger was bom in 1225-6, 
and died at Kingston, 28di Oct., 1282. By his means, Prince Edward, afterwards 
Edw. I., effected his escape from Hereford Castle, where he had been confined by 
Montford, Earl of Leicester, after the battle of Lewes. Roger's wife, Maad, 2nd 
daughter and coheiress of William de Braose, brought him the lands of Radnor, the 
third part of the town of Saint Clears, with the advowsoo of its Church ; the third 
part of the commots of Amgoed and Pebidiog, in co. Pembroke ; the Castle, Manor, 
and Forest of Narberth, in the same county, &c. Their children were Sir Ralph, knt., 
o.v.p. ; Edmund, the heir, bom in 1255 ; Roger, Lord of Chirke ; Sir Greoffrey, knt., 
o.v.p. ; and Sir William, knt., o.8.p. 

* Humphrey de Bohun (seventh of that name), son of Humphrey (who, after 
Evesham battle, died 27 Oct., 1265, a prisoner in Beeston Castle, co. Chester), by his 
wife Eleanor, 4th daughter and coheiress of William de Braose, and grandson of 
Humphrey de Bohun, the good Earl of Hereford and Essex, who died 24th Sept., 
1276. Through his mother Eleanor he became entitled to a third share of Saint 
Clears. He held, by grand sergeanty, the office of Lord High Constable of England ; 
but of this he was deprived in 1296-7. He died in 1298, and left a son, Humphrey, 
by his Countess, Maud, daughter of William de Fiennes. The Chronique of the 
Gestes of England says of the subject of our notice, "A.D. 1271, young Humfray 
fastnid on his land of Breknok after the fest of S. Marke." 

* George de Cantilupe was bom in 1251, and died in 1272-3. He was son of 
William de C, by Eve, 3rd daughter of William de Braose. George left no issue, 
and so John, son of Henry de Hastings, by George's sister and coheiress, seems to 
have become the inheritor of the remaining third part of Saint Clears barony, and 
the other Welsh lands. 

* Guy de Bryan, or Brienne, married Eve, only daughter of Henry de Tracy. The 
rebellious barons in 1264 appointed him governor of Carmarthen and Cardigjan 
Castles, and the next year confided Cilgerran (^'astle to his charge. Not long after, 
Guy returned to his allegiance, and died in 1306-7, leaving a son, Guy, who was' born 
in 1282-3. The Barony of Laugharne was held by the service of finding two 
soldiers with horses harnessed, or eight footsoldiers, for three days at his own cost, 
whenever notice was given him by the King's Bailiff of Carmarthen. This Guy 
became insane ; but by his wife Gwenllian, he had a son, still named Guy or Guyon, 
who rose to be an eminent man. In 1361, Edward III. made him a knight ban- 
neret, and gave him a life annuity of £200 : in 1375, the King invested him with the 
Order of the Garter. He died in August, 1390. 



49 



de Thelachame, et facit sectam . . . 
. . . sicut predictus Rogerus. 

Galfridus de Kamuule tenet Baron- 
iam de Llanstephan et facit . . . . 
ut snpra. 

Episcopus Meneyensis tenet Ba- 
ronia de Lanhuhadem. 

Paganus de Chaworth tenet Ba- 
ronia de Kedwelli et Cemewethin, 
et debet ut supra, set hoc subtrahitur, 
et nescitur quo waranto. 

Heron de Gower ..... tenet 

Dominus Willielmus de Brews con- 
sueuit . . . de Kermerdin in capite 
et sectam facere ad Comitatum ut 
supra, set . . . predicti Willielmi 
non fait facta. 

Johannes Laundr tenet j feodum 
Militis, et facit sectam et omnia, 
ut supra. 

de Boneuile tenet j feo- 
dum Militis et facit sectam ut supra. 

Est ibi quidam burgagium in quo 



of Laugharne and does suit .... 
as the aforesaid Roger. 

Geoffrey de Camyille* holds the 
Barony of Llanstephan and does 
. ... as above. 

The Bishop of Saint David's » 
holds the Barony of Llewhaden. 

Payne de Chaworth' holds the 
Barony of Kidwely and Camwallon, 
and is bound as above; but this is 
withdrawn, and it is not known by 
what authority. 

Heron de Gower holds .... 
Lord William de Breos * was accus- 
tomed of Kermerdin in 

capite, and to do suit to the County 

as above, but of the 

aforesaid William was not done. 

John Laundr* holds one Knight's 
fee and does suit and all things as 
above. 

. . . . de Bonville holds one 
Knight's fee and does suit as above. 

A certain burgage* is there in 



* GeoflErey de Cam vi lie was eldest son of William de C, by his wife Albreda, 
daughter and heiress of Geoffrey Marmion. He married Maud, daughter of the 
first Sir Guy de Bryan in preceding note. She became his widow, and took for her 
second l^usband Nicholas Martin, Lord of Kemeys in co. Pembroke. Geoffrey died 
in 1308-9, leaving a eon and heir called William, at the time 40 years of age. 

* Richard de Carew was bishop from 1256 ULtil 1280. He is said to have been 
a "good theologian and philosopher." In 1256 he went to Rome, where the Pope 
consecrated him^ Immediately after Easter in 1271, he visited France, whence he 
returned about Ascension Day. He died in the latter half of March, 1279, and was 
buried on the 4th April, 1279, or 1280, new style, on the south of the Altar of the 
Holy Cross in St. David's Cathedral, co. Pemb. Lawhaden is 4 miles from Narberth ; 
and considerable remains of the castle still exist. Leland says, '' Lanwadein lordship 
on the est side of Gledi (Cleddy), wher is a castel buildid on a rokke longging to the 
Bishop of Saint David." In virtue of this lordship the Bishops take their seat in 
the House of Peers. 

' Payne de Chaworth has been previously noticed. 

* William de Braose was son and heir of Reginald, third son of William de 
Braose, Lord of Brecknock. He met an untimely fate, for he was hanged in April, 
1229, by orders of Prince Llewelyn ab lorwerth ; and it is supposed that this act was 
brought about through treacherous letters being sent to the Prince, by the English 
Justiciar Hubert de Burgh, who bore great enmity to De Braose. By his wife Eve, 
daughter to Walter Marshall, brother to the Earl Richard of Pembroke, he left four 
daughters and coheiresses, ^viz., Isabel, who married David, son to the Prince 
Llewelyn, and Maud, Eve, and Eleanor, whose marriages are recorded in the pre- 
ceding notes. 

' John Laundr, or Laundry {query Londres), appears as a witness to the charter 
granted, tempore Edw. I., to the burgesses of Laugharne, by the demented Sir Guy 
de Bryan. Half witted or not, he was a most munMcent benefactor to that ancient 
place. 

* The word "burgage" as here used appears to designate not a dwelling house, 
but a tenure, held by the burgesses proper at 'a fixed rent, whereas those burgesses 
called for the sake of distinction " de vento et vico," of the wind and^ the street, paid 
no certain yearly amount in money, but possibly in personal service when occasion 
required. 

7 



50 



XX 

Bunt —. — j burgagij, et quodlibet red- 

dit per annum xij .4 . 

Summa — ix?| xij .4. 
Est ibi vnum burgaginm, ad quod 
terra que dicitur terra Archidiaconi 
pertinere dinoscitur, et yalet per 
annum — vj .■ . 

Summa — ^vj ■ 
Sunt ibi quidem alii qui appellan- 
tur burgenses de uento et vico, 
quonim. redditus extenduntur ad 
lxvj«. viij.f. per annum, set protest 
esse plus et minus, secundum quod 
pax se habet in partibus illis. 

Summa — Ixvj ?. . yiij ^ . 
Item sunt quid am que vocantur 
herisar quorum redditus extenditur 
per annum ad vij * . 

Summa — patet. 
Tolnetum Mercati extenditur per 
annum ad Ixvj solidos viij!?. 

Summa — Ixvj ?. . viij .^ . 
Tolnetum nundinarum extenditur 
ad Ixvj 8 . viij ? . per annum. 

Summa — Ixvj*. viij?!. 
Placita et perquisita hundredi ex- 
tenduntur at xl«. per annum. 

Summa — xl?.. 
Summa — xxj!!. xiiij*. 
Item predicti Jurati dicunt quod 
in Castro de Kermerdin sunt ix 
Baliste parui uel nullius valloris. 

quarelle que valent iij « 



Vll 



VJ 



. . . quod Castrum non . . 
. . . de minus sustentari quam de 
ciiij marcis per annum. 

omnium summarum 

totius valoris de Kermerdin. 
xlviij ]} . ix .5. . ij .4 . ob. 



wbich are 181 burgesses, and each 
renders yearly 126?. 

Sum— £9 12d. 
One burgage is there (and it is 
not known whether the land called 
the Archdeacon's Land belongs to 
it) and it is worth yearly 68, 

Sum — 6s. 

Certain others are there, who are 

called burgesses "de vento et vico"* 

whose rents are valued at 665. Sd., 

but it may be more or less, according 

as peace prevails in those parts. 

Sum— 665. 8d. 
Also there are some who are 
called "Herisars" whose rents are 
valued at 7s. yearly. 

Sum — Appears. 
The Toll of the Market is valued 
yearly at 665. 8d. 

Sum— 665. Sd. 
The Toll of the Fairs is valued 
at 665. 86?. yearly. 

Sum — 668. Sd. 
The Pleas and Perquisites of the 
Hundred are valued at 405. yearly. 

Sum — 40s. 
Sum— £21 14s. 
Also the aforesaid Jurors say, 
that in the Castle of Kermerdin, 
there are 9 Cross-bows of little 
or no value. 

.... 700 Arrows which are 
worth 3s. 6d. 

.... That the Castle not . . . 
. . . be kept up for less than 104 
marks yearly. 

.... of all the sums of the 
whole value of Kermerdin. 
£48 ^s. 2id. 



51 



EXCHEQUER RECORDS. 
8th EDWARD I. 

^%Unh At %trmeT&U\ coram 

Domino Ricardo de Oxoniense, et 

Henrico de Bray, apud Kermerdin, 

die Lune proxima ante festum An- 

nimciacionis beate Marie, anno regni 

Regis Edwardi, Octavo, per sacra- 

mentum subscriptorum 

Yauthan, Ricard le Chapman, Mineu 

, . . . . de Bedeford, 

Nicholai King, Thome le Clerk, 
Thome Winter, Nicholai Minund, 
Res Kreg, Walteri Juuen, Thome 
Bulpen, Johannes Luring, .... 

. . . Bernard. (^Jli ]jMVA q^od 
est ibi quoddam Castrum in quo est 
quedam bono [dungeo] ex v parvis 
turribus constructa. 

Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi xx 
acre terre in dominico, que terra 
vocatur Archidiaconi quorum queli- 
bet acra valet per annum — xiiS. 

Summa xx ?, . 

Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi xij 
acre terre in dominico in quodam 
loco, qui dicitur Kileleuor, quarum 
quelibet acra valet per annum — viij !! . 

Summa viij * . 

Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi Ixxviij 
acre terre in dominico quas firmarij 
tenent ad voluntatem Domini et 
valet quelibet acra per annum — viij ,4. 

Summa lij ?. . 

Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi . . . 
. . . prati in Redcors in v acre 
prati in Dothoc, quarum quelibet 
acra valent per annum — iij ?. et iiij ?. . 

Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi ... . 
acre prati vltra Tewi ex opposito 



BAG I. WALLIA, No. 14 
MARCH, 1280. 

(^%Unt 0f %trmtriin taken 

before Lord Richard of Oxford, and 
Henry de Bray, at Kermerdin, on 
Monday next before the Feast of 
the Annunciation of the Blessed 
Mary in the Eighth year of the 
reign of King Edward, by the oath 

of the underwritten; 

Vaughan, Richard the Chapman, 
Minen ... of Bedford, Nicholas 
King, Thomas the Clerk, Thomas 
Winter, Nicholas Minund, Rees 
Cryg, Walter leuan, Thomas Bul- 
pen, John Luring, .... Bernard. 

^bn Sttll that a certain Castle is 
there in which is a certain good 
[dungeon] constructed out of 5 
small towers. 

Also, they say that there are 20 
acres of land in demesne, which 
land is called "The Archdeacon's" 
each acre of which Is worth yearly 
12d. 

Sum. — 205. 

Also, they say there are 12 acres 
of land in demesne in a certain place 
which is called Kilelevor,* each acre 
of which is worth yearly 8c?. 

Sum. — 8s. 

Also, they say that there are 78 
acres of land in demesne, which the 
farmers hold at the will of the Lord, 
and each acre is worth yearly 86?. 

Sum. — 52s. 

Also, they say that there are 

of meadow in Red Gorse,* 

and 5 acres of meadow in Dothoc' 
each acre of which is worth yearly 
3s. 4d. 

Also, they say that there are 
acres of meadow on the 



* Cillevor is about a mile to the westward of Carmarthen. 

^ Red Gorse, or Gors Goch, is a large tract of boggy land which extended from 
near Cillevor to Nantyrhebog. Its waters have in a good measure been drained, 
and now the S. Wales Railway runs longitudinally over its centre. 

3 This is supposed to be the Dockett Land, south of Tcyvy, but in the Lower Fran- 
chise of Carmarthen. 



52 



castro quaram quelibet 

uj?. mj!?. 

Item, dicnnt quod buigenses pre- 

dicte ville de Kermerdin dant Do- 
mino pro commnna 

Item, dicunt quod sunt in dicta 
villa de Kermerdin C. et Ixix bur- 



gagii. 



. XX 



Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi ^ et vj, 

qui dicuntur burgenses de yento 

quorum quilibet soly' 

Item, dicnnt qui sunt ibi >xxij . . 
.... quorum quilibet soluit per 
annum — ^vj S . 

Snmmaxj... 

Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi curti- 
lagia et yalent per annum — v?. & j?. 

Summa y5. j?. 

Item, dicunt quod terra Kicardi 

. . . yalet per annum — ij • . 

Summa ij?.. 
Item, dicimt quod Thomas Vollen 
tenet quondam turrim et reddit per 
annum — iij ? . 

Summa — ^iij .4 . 
Item, dicunt quod placita et per- 
quisita Hundredi de Kermerdin 
valent per annum — Ixf.. 

Summa — Ix.".. 
Item, dicunt quod toUetum mer- 
cati ibidem yalet per annum — viijH. 

Summa yiij!?. 
Item, dicunt quod exitus nundi- 
narum valet per annum — v}i vj?. et 

"'A 

VllJ?. . 

Summa v }? vj ?. viij ? . 
Item, dicunt quod prisa vini ibi- 
dem valet per annum — C ?. . 

Summa C». 
Item, dicunt quod Dominus habet iij 
partes molendini quod vocatur Tewis- 
muUe, et valet per annum — xxx * . 

Summa xxx .1 . 



otber side of tbe Towy opposite t^ie 
Castle each of which .... 35. 4d. 
Also, they say that the Burgesses 
of the aforesaid Town of Kermerdin 
give to the Lord for common . . . 

• • • 

Also, they say that there are in 
the said town of Kermerdin 169 
burgesses. 

Also, they say that there are 86, 
who are called Burgesses "de vento" 
each of whom pays 

Also, they say that there are 22 

each of whom pays yearly 

6d. 

Sum. — lis. 
Also, they say that there are 
certain curtilages' and they are 
worth yearly 5*. Id. 

Sum. — 5s. Id. 
Also, they say that the land of 
Eichard ... is worth yearly 2s. 

Sum. — 2s. 
Also, they say that Thomas Vol- 
len holds a certain Tower, and 
renders yearly 3c?. 

Sum. — Sd. 
Also, they say that the pleas and 
perquisites of the Hundred of Ker- 
merdin are worth yearly 60s. 

, Sum. — 60s. 
Also, they say that the Toll of the 
Market there is worth yearly £8. 

Sum.— £8. 
Also, they say that the issues of 
Fairs are worth yearly £5 6s. Sd. 

Sum.— £5 Ss. 8d. 
Also, they say that the prisage* 
of Wine there, is worth yearly 100s. 

Sum. — 100s. 
Also, they say that the Lord has 
3 parts of the Mill, which is called 
Towy's Mill, and is worth yearly 30s. 

Sum. — 30s. 



* Curtilages seem to be gardens separate from the dwelling-house. An Inquisition 
of 36 Hen. III. says, "Et si in Curtilagio alicujus bladum siminaretur, decimam 
garbam illius bladi, sicut in campis percipiet." 

* Prisage is derived from the French word Prendre, to take. The king, by ancient 
right, took from each ship, laden with twenty tuns or more of sale wines, two tuns 
for his share, the one before and the other behind the mast (unum dolium in prora 
navis, et aliud in puppi). 



53 



Item, dicunt quod sunt ibi vj 
gurgites in aqua de Tewi, et yalent 
cum piscaria per annum — Ix « . 

Summa Ix « . 

Item, dicunt quod est ibi quedam 

piscaria ex superiori parte pontis, 

et valet per annum — viij * . 

Summa viij ■ . 
Item, dicunt quod Thomas Bolpen 
reddit pro quodam prato apud Red- 
cors dimidium librae piperis precium 

• • • • J 

— mjd. 

Summa iiij ^ . 
Item, dicunt quod Johannes Lu- 
ring reddit pro quodam prato in 
loco predicto per annum dimidium 
libre piperis precium — iiij ^ . 

Summa iiij .^ . 
Item, dicunt quod idem Johannes 
reddit pro uno mesuagio et vna acra 

prati ynam libram sinimi, precium 

id 

J"* 

Summa j .^ . 

Item, dicunt quod Phillipus Kist 
reddit per annum pro quadam terra 
que vocatur Leylond, j libram sinimi 
precium — j .*} . 

Summa j^^. 

Item, memorandum quod tercia 
pars cuiusdam molendini quod vo- 
catur tempore Domini 

Edmundi que quidem pars valet per 

annum j marcam et inter 

.... Hospital . . . de . . . 
. . .per Dominum Edmundum post 
ultimam extentam. 

Jurati dicunt quod est ibi forinseca 
terra extra villam quequidam terra 
dicitur Redraw et . . . . et illam 
terram tenent liberi Wallenses et 
reddunt pro eadem per annum — 
vij ?. iiij .^ et ob\, et faciunt sectam 
ad Comitatum. 

Summa vij « iiij .^ et ob'. 

Et sciendum quod tenentes pre- 
dictam terram de Raderau et cetera 



Also, they say that there are 6 
streams in the water of Towy, and 
that they are worth with the fishery 
yearly 60s. 

Sum. — 6O5. 

Also, they say that there is a cer- 
tain Fishery on the upper side of the 
bridge, and it is worth yearly 8s. 

Sum. — 8s. 

Also, they say that Thomas Bol- 
pen renders for a certain meadow 
at Red Gorse half a pound of pepper, 
value 4:d, 

. , Sum. — 4:d, 

Also, they say that John Luring 
renders for a certain meadow in the 
aforesaid place, yearly, half a pound 
of pepper, value 4(i. 

Sum. — id. 

Also, they say that the same John 
renders for one messuage and one 
acre of meadow, one pound of cin- 
namon, value Id. 

Sum. — Id. 

Also, they say that Philip Kist 
renders yearly for certain land which 
is called Leylond, 1 pound of cin- 
namon, value Id. 

' Sum. — Id. 

Also, be it remembered that the 
third part of a certain Mill which 

is called [was alienated] 

in the time of Lord Edmund,' which 
said part is worth yearly j mark, and 
between Hos- 
pital of ..... by the Lord Ed- 
mund after the last extent. 

The Jurors say that there is 
foreign land outside the Town, 
which same land is called Redraw' 

and and that land the 

free Welsh hold, and render for the 
same yearly 7s. 4^{Z. and do suit 
at the County. 

Sum. — 7s. 4:^d. 

And be it known that the tenants 
of the aforesaid land of Raderaw, 



* Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, only surviving brother of Edward I. He was called 
Crouch-back, possibly from his wearing a cross, or crouch, as it was anciently called^ 
on Mb back, in token of his vow to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, 

* Rhydyrhaw, Abergwili, in the Lordship of Whydigada. 



54 



dant pro releiiijs ij .■ et pro seisina 
terre habenda ij ® . 

Item, dicunt quod Wallenses Hel- 

iiet de parte Domini Regis, de Derlis 
et Widigada dant Domino per an- 
num xvij aueria, dimidium auerium, 
et tercium partem vnius auerii, pre- 
cium cuiuslibet y • , et licitum est 

Domino capere denarios uel aueria 
pro voluntate sua. 

gumma iiij )} ix « ij .^ . 
Item, dicunt quod releuia Wallen- 
sium ibidem valent per annum — xl .» . 

gumma xl • . 

• a 

Item, dicunt quod placita et per- 
quisita Comitatus tam Anglicorum 
quam Walleusium valent per annum 

-xjH. 

gumma xj ]\ . 
Item, dicunt quod cum Dominus 
voluerit, Wallenses cariabunt mere- 
mium bosco usque Castrum de Ker- 
merdin. 
guMMA Ixviij ]\ V .• iiij .^ et obolum. 



and others, giye for reliefs 25., and 
to have seizin of their land, 2s. 

Also, they say, that the Welsh of 
Elfed,* on behalf of the Lord the 
King, of Derllys * and of Widigada,' 
give yearly to the Lord 17 head of 
cattle, half of one, and the third 
part of one, the value of each 5s., 
and it is lawful for the Lord to take 
the money or the cattle, according 
to his will. 

gum.— £4 95. 2d. 

Also, they say that the reliefs of 
the Welsh there, are worth yearly 405. 

gum. — -405. 

Also, they say that the pleas and 
perquisites of the County as well 
of the English as Welsh are worth 
yearly £11. 

gum.— £11. 

Also, they say that when the 
Lord orders it, the Welsh carry 
timber from the wood to the Castle 
of Kermerdin. 

guM.— £68 55. Aid. 



^ These are names of districts in Carmarthenshire. 



55 



PATENT ROLL. 9th EDWARD L A.D. 1280. MEMB. 29. 



De Mercato et\ 
Feria apud (^^^% dilecto et fi- 
Dynauor i J^eli suo Bogoni de 
tenendis. ) Knouill, Justiciario 
suo West-Wallie, Salntem. Quia 
volumus quod quoddam mercatum 
singulis septimanis, et vna feria 
singulis annis, apud yillam nostram 
de Dynauor teneantur, prout vestra 
discrecio melius duxerit prouidendi, 
Vobis mandamus quod huiusmodi 
mercatum et feriam publice procla- 
mari, et ea apud villam predictam, 
cum omnibus libertatibus et liberis 
consuetudinibus ad huiusmodi mer- 
catum et feriam pertinentibus, teneri 
facias in forma predicta. In Cuius, 
&c. Teste Rege apud Westm' 
quarto die Decembris. 



For the holding'^ 

a Market and f gh^ |iinjg to his 
Fair at f ^ear and faithful* 
Dmevawr. J ^^^^ ^^ Knoville 
his Justiciar of West- Wales, Greet- 
ing. Forasmuch as We will that 
a certain Market every week, and 
a Fair every year, shall be held at 
Our town of Dinevawr,* according 
as in your discretion it shall seem 
convenient to provide. We command 
you that such Market and Fair be 
publicly proclaimed, and the same 
with all liberties and free customs to 
such Market and Fair belonging, you 
cause to be held at the aforesaid town 
in form aforesaid. In Witness where- 
of, &c. Witness the King at West- 
I minster the 4th day of December. 



* Previously annotated. 

* Now known as " Llandeilo-f awr," 15 miles eastward of Carmarthen. 



56 



BOTULI WALLIE. 10th EDWARD I. A.D. 1282. MEMB. 10. 



De Compoto audieudo^ 
de exitibus Miiragij /^|l^x gal- 
de Kennerdyn. j i^jg g^jg ^^ 

Kermerdyn, Salutem. Quia volu- 
mu8 quod exitus Muragii ville yestre 
predicte, fideliter et plene in con- 
struccione et reparacione murorum 
ville vestre predicte aproponantur, 
iuxta concessionem nostram homi- 
nibus ville predicte inde factam 
pro quod . assignauimus dilectum ei 
fidelem nostrum Robertum Tibetot 
ad audiendum compotum de exitibus 
proventibus de muragio predicto, a 
tempore concessionis predicte, prout 
ei plenius iniunximus viva voce. 
Vobis mandamus, quod compotum 
predictum de omnibus exitibus de 
dicto muragio prouenientibus, et de 
omnibus misis et expensis circa con- 
struccionem et reparacionem muro- 
rum predictorum, eidem Roberto 
reddi faciatis : et vos ipsi in omni- 
bus que ad compotum ilium pertinent, 
intendentes sitis et respondentes, 
prout idem Robertus vobis scire 
faciet ex parte nostra. In Cuius, 
&c. Teste Rege apud Perssouere 
primo die Januarij. 



For Auditing the 

Account of the 

Issues of the 

Murage of 

Kermerdyn. 



a^k ling to his 

^ Bailiffs of Ker- 
merdyn, Greet- 
ing. Forasmuch 



as We are desirous that the issues 
of the Murage * of your aforesaid 
town, faithfully and fully may be 
appropriated to the construction and 
reparation of the Walls of your 
aforesaid town, according to Our 
grant thereof made to the men of 
the aforesaid town, for which pur- 
pose We have assigned Our dear 
and faithful Robert Tibetot* to audit 
the account of the issues arising 
from the Murage aforesaid from the 
time of the aforesaid grant, as to 
him more fully We have by word 
of mouth enjoined. We command 
you that the aforesaid account of 
all the issues arising from the said 
Murage and of all costs and expenses 
about the construction and repara- 
tion of the aforesaid walls, to the 
same Robert you cause to be ren- 
dered : and that to him in all things 
which to that account may appertain, 
you be intentive and responsive as 
the same Robert shall direct on Our 
behalf. In Witness, &c. Witness 
the King at Perssovere^ the first 
day of January. 



* Murage was a toll, exacted from every laden horse or cart coming into a town, 
which toll was applied towards building or repairing the walls of that town. 

* Previously annotated, 

3 Now called Pershore, a town in Worcestershire. King Edward in this year kept 
his Christmas at Worcester : he was then on his way to North Wales. 



57 



ROTULI WALLI^. 17th EDWARD I. A.D. 1289. MEMB. 8. 



Castro d^KTmer. f (P^^d^^^^ 
dyn reparandis ^est Roberto de 
et cooperiendis. J Tibetot, Justi- 

ciario Regis West Wallie, quod 
domos Castri Regis de Kermerdyn 
foragio coopertas reparari et cooperiri 
facit petris, et poui faciat in opera- 
cionibus earundem vsqiie ad Triginti 
libras : et Rex inde ei debitam al- 
locacionem habere faciet. Teste Ed- 
mundo, &c., apud Westmonasterium 
&c. xiij die Maij, Anno, &c. 
Et sunt clause. 



For repairing and ^ 

roofing the houses > Jt tS JC0m- 
in Kermerdyn Castle.J nt ^ U d -C d 
that Robert de Tibetot, the King's 
Justiciar of West Wales, cause to 
be repaired and roofed with stone, 
the houses of the King's Castle of 
Kermerdyn now covered with straw, 
and that he may expend in the 
works of the same, to the amount 
of Thirty Pounds : and the King 
will cause due allowance thereof to 
be made to him. Witness Edmund,^ 
&c., at Westminster, &c., the 13th 
day of May, in the year, &c. 
And it is done. 



* Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, grandson to King John, and cousln-german to Ed- 
ward L, has been previously annotated. 



8 



58 



ROTULI WALLI^. 19th EDWARD L A.D. 1291. MEMB. 6. 



^t% omnibus Balliuis et fidelibus 
suis ad quos, &c., Salntem. Sciatis 
quod concessimtis pro nobis et here- 
dibus nostris, venerabili Patri, Thome 
Meneuensi Episcopo, et Canonicis 
suis de Alberwyly, quod ipsi et 
succesBores sui imperpetuum habeant 
communiam in boscis nostris de 
Magh-hatan, Commoth parvet, Hi- 
rueriu, Ketheynoks, Wydagada, Mab- 
riderith, Maueluet - ayan, Elueth, 
Dercles, et Iskennen, in Comitatu 
de Kermerdyn et in boscis qui 
fuerunt Resi filii Mereduci in eodem 
Comitatu, qui, per forisfacturam 
eiusdem Resi, ad manus nostras 
devenerunt. Ita, quod in eisdem 
boscis, subboscum, quercos ad maere- 
mium, et alias arbores pro Yoluntate 
sua succendere et asportare, et com- 
modum suum inde facere possint, 
prout sibi magis viderint expedire. 
Et ideo vobis mandamus, quod pre- 
dictos Episcopum et Canonicos, contra 
hanc concessionem nostram, non 
disturbetis in aliquo seu grauetis. 
In Cuius, &c. Teste Rege apud 
Denises xx die Septembris. 



iHh^ liing to all his Bailiffs and 
faithful subjects to whom, &c., 
Greeting. Know ye, that We have 
granted for Us and Our Heirs to 
the Venerable Father, Thomas,* 
Bishop of St. David's, and the 
Canons of Abergwili, that they and 
their successors for ever, may have 
common in our woods of Magh-hatan, 
Commot Pervedd, Hirfryn, Cethin- 
iog, Wydigada, Mab-riderith, Mab- 
Elved-ayan, Elvet, Derllys, and 
Iscennen, in the County of Kermer- 
dyn, and in the woods which belonged 
to Rees ab Meredith^ in the same 
County, which by the forfeiture of 
the same Rees came to Our hands : 
so that in the same woods, the under 
wood, oak for timber, and other 
trees, they may at their will cut 
and carry away for their own profit, 
as it shall seem most advantageous 
to them. And therefore we com- 
mand you, that you, adversely to 
this Our grant, in nowise disturb 
or aggrieve the aforesaid Bishop and 
Canons. In Witness, &c. Witness 
the King at Devises the 20th day 
of September. 



' Thomas Beck (previously annotated), 

* Khys ab Meredydd was eldest son of Meredydd (previously annotated), son of 
Rhys Gryg ; althoiigh a traitor to Prince Llewelyn, he had been loyal to King Ed- 
ward, and was made a knight. Disappointed of grants and preferments, he dis- 
obeyed a summons to attend the King's Court, and took up arms in May, 1287. Be- 
fore the 11th of June, he had captured the Castles of Llandovery, Dinevor, and 
Carreg Cennen ; and immediately after burned the towns of Swansea, Oystermouth, 
Llanbadarn Vawr, and Carmarthen. Strong forces proceeded to take him ; but he 
lied to Ireland. On the 2nd April, 1291, having returned, he was captured in a 
battle, in which 4000 of his adherents were slain. He was taken to York, tried^ 
condemned, drawn through that city to the gallows, and there ended his life. 



59 



19th EDWARD I. A.D. 1291. M. 6. 



Mt% Burgensibus et probis homini- 

bu8 suis de Kaermerdyn, Salutem. 
Cum nuper concesserimus vobis in 
auxilium ville vestre predicte clau- ; 
dende ad tuicionem et maiorem se- 
curitatem parcium illarum, quasdam 
consuetudines de rebus venalibus ad 
eandem yillam venientibus, vsque 
ad certum tempus, qui iam preteriit 
capiendas, prout in litteris nostris 

patentibus vobis inde confectis, plen- 
ius continetur : NOS., vobis in hac 
parte ampliorem gratiam facere vo- 
lentes, concessimus vobis tarn in 
auxilium predicte ville vestre clau- 

dende, quam in auxilium Pontis 
vestte ibidem reparandi, quod a die 
confeccionis presencium, vsque ad 
finem quatuor annorum proximo 
sequencium plenarie completorum, 
dictas consuetudines capiatis, iuxta 
tenorem litterarum nostrarum pre- 
dict arum. Et ideo vobis mandamus 
quod predictas consuetudines capiatis 
in forma predicta completo autem 
termino illo dicte consuetudines peni- 
tns cessent et deleantur. In Cuius, 
&c., per predictum tempus duraturas. 
Teste Rege apud Bergaueny xxv die 
Octobris. 



Wil^ 3^^Q ^^ ^^^^ Burgesses and 
good men of Kaermerdyn, Greeting. 
Whereas lately We granted to you 
ill aid of inclosing your aforesaid 
town for the defence and greater 
security of those parts, certain cus- 
toms arising from saleable things 
entering the same town, until a 
certain time now past, as in Our 
Letters patent to you thereof made, 
more fully is now contained : WE 
desirous to confer upon you more 
ample grace in this behalf, have 
granted to you as well in aid of 
inclosing your aforesaid town, as in 
aid of repairing your Bridge there, 
that from the day of tlie making 
of these presents, for the term of 
four years next following and fully 
to be complete, you shall take the 
said customs according to the tenor 
of Our aforesaid letters. And there- 
fore We command you, that you may 
take the aforesaid customs in form 
aforesaid. But that term being 
completed, the said customs wholly 
shall cease and determine. In Wit- 
ness, &c., to continue for the afore- 
said time. Witness the King at 
Abergavenny the 25th day of Oc- 
tober. 



60 



PATENT ROLL. 5th EDWARD IIL, A.D. 1831. PART. 3. 

MEMB. 2. 



ProAbbateet"^ 

Conventu de > ^ ^ X omnibus ad 
Tallach. J q^os etc*, Salutem. 
Inspeximus litteras patentee Celebris 
memorie Domini Edwardi, nuper 
Regis Anglie, pater nostri, in hec 
verba. 

" Edwardus, Dei gratia, Rex 
Anglie, Dominns Hibernie, et Dux 
Aquitanie, omnibus ad quos presentes 
littere, peruenerint, Salutem. 

Donacionem, concessionem, et con- 
firmacionem quas Resus junior, filius 
Resi j unions, per cartam suam fecit 
Abbati et Conuentui, Deo, et Beate 
Marie, et Sancto Johanni Baptiste, 
apud Tallach, seruientibus, in puram 
et perpetuam elemosinam, de omni- 
bus terris, possessionibus, pascuis, 
redditibus, ecclesiis, libertatibus, et 
rebus quas eisdem Resus Magnus 
et Resus Auus ipsius Resi junioris 
auunculi, consanguinei vel cognati 
ipsius Resi, vel nobilis terre dederunt, 
vel ex testamento reliquerunt de 
Tallach, videlicet, Keuenbleith, Le- 



For the Abbot^ 
and Convent V ^f);^ %Xtl% to all to 

of Talley. J ^liom, etc?., sends 
Greeting. We have examined the 
Letters Patent of the Lord Edward 
of glorious memory. Our Father, 
the late king of England, in these 
words. 

" Edward, by the grace of God, 
King of England, Lord of Ireland, 
and Duke of Aquitaine, to all to 
whom these present letters shall 
come, sends Greeting. 

The gift, grant, and confirmation 
which Rhys Vychan,* son of Rhys 
Vychan,* by his Charter made in pure 
and perpetual alms, to the Abbot 
and Convent serving God and the 
Blessed Mary and Saint John the 
Baptist, at Talley,* of all the lands, 
possessions, pastures, rents, church- 
es, liberties, and things which Rhys 
the Great,* and Rhys* the grand- 
father of the same Rhys Vychan, 
the uncles, cousins, or kinsfolk of 
the same Rhys, or the Nobles of 
the land gave or by will bequeathed 
to them of Talley, to wit: Cefu- 
bleidd,'' Llechwedd-dderi,* the moiety 
of Cwmbleawg,* Bryngwyn,* Bryny- 



* Rhys Vychan, the first mentioned, died in his Castle of Dynevor, 27th August, 
1271, and was buried in Talley Abbey. He was son of 

Rhys Vychan, otherwise Rhys Mechyll, who died in 1244. He was son of 

Rhys Gryg, Lord of Ystrad Towy, who in 1219 married a daughter of Richard, 

Earl of Clare, and died in 1234 at Llandeilo Fawr, whence his body waa taken to be 

entombed in St. David's Cathedral. He was son of 

Rhys Magnus, or the Lord Rhys, who became Prince of South Wales in 1136. 

He married Gwenllian, daughter of Madog ab Meredith, Lord of Bromfield, died 

4th May, 1196, and was buried in St. David's Cathedral. 
^ Talley Abbey stands on a delightful spot, 8 miles to the N. of Llandeilo Fawr. 

The names of seven of its abbots have been preserved. In its cemetery the ashes of 

the illustrious Welsh poet, David ab Gwilym, repose. He was buried in 1368, cet, 68. 

" Yva medd y gorwedd 4'r gareg— arnaw, 
Mawr ernych gloew ofeg, 
Acw yn ynys cain waneg, 
Lie uVcn dwr, Tal Llychau deg." 

Hophin ab Thomas, 1880. 

' Cefnbleidd=<Ac Wolves' Ridge, is the name of a hamlet and farm, IJ mile E. 
of the abbey. 

* Llechwedd-dderi=</«e Slope of Oaks, tm. S. of Taliaris Park. 
5 Cwmbleawg=Mc Feathery Del!, 3 m. E. of Llansawel. 

» Bryngwyn is IJ m. N.B. of the abbey. 



61 



wedderi, Hanner Cumblehauc, Brin- 
wyn, Brinyllech, in antiquis fmibus, 
Tallunelgan, et de particula terre 
apud Crucbar, Penros, preter terrain 
filiorum Bledri Choch, Ynystewilh, 
Treveywern, Kynwil, Kilmaren, et 
de particula terre cum prato inter 
duos riuulos snbtus ecclesiam Kyn- 
wil, et supra ecclesiam eandem inter 
duos riuulos. Landewi Crus vsque 
Rinrisken et Corrderwen iuxta Pren- 
vol Gwallwin, Llunwermon, Penvenit 
Gordoguy vsque Hyrvayngudauc, 

Rospedyr; de Grangia de Gudgruc 
et Nanmaur; de grangia de Brechva, 
Brynyreidon, Castell Gweiraun, Mays 
y Kyghellaur, Kylkyngen, et de 
tota terra inter dictam Grangiam, 
et Cleudam ; et de grangia de 



llech, according to their ancient 
boundaries, Tallunelgan/ and the 
parcel of land at Crugbar,^ Penrhos, 
excepting the land of the sons of 
Bledri Coch, Ynysdywyll,* Trewern,* 
Cynwil,* Cilmaren,® and the parcel 
of land with the meadow between 
the two streams below Cynwil 
Church, and above the same Church 
between two streams, Llanddewi- 
crwys' unto Penyresgair, and Gwar- 
derwen adjoining Prenvol Gwallt- 
gwyn,® Llwynywermod,® Penvynydd, 
Gwardogwy unto Hirvaengwyddawg,*" 
Rhosybedw ;" the grange of Gwydd- 
gryg" and Nantmawr:" the grange 
of Brechva,'* Brynyreidion,'* Castell- 
Gweiraun,the Chancellor's Meadow,'® 
Cilcyngen, and the whole land, 
between the said grange and Clau- 
dach;*'^ the grange of Brunus " in all 



* This word is also written Traethnelgan, Traellnelgan, Traileneygan, and Trath- 
leneygan. It is the name of the upper hamlet in Talley parish. Here, in January, 
1213, was the rendezvous for the respective forces of Rhys ab Griffith, his brother 
Owen, and Ffoulke, Seneschal of Caerdiff, preparatory to the attack on Dynevor 
Castle, occupied by Rhys Gryg (uncle to the first two named), who had deprived 
them of their inheritance. The allies took the castle, and reduced the Cantrev Mawr 
under their authority. 

* Crug y BB,T=the Tumulus of Affliction^ is supposed to be the place where a 
Roman legion interred their slain during the insurrection of the Britons under 
Boadicea. It is 1| m. S.W. of Cayo Village. 

' Ynys Dywyll=^Ae Gloomy Upland^ is IJ m. from the abbey. 

* Trewern=Me Alder Homp, is 1^ m. from the abbey. 

* Cynwil is now the name of a parish with the affix " Caio." 

* Cilmaren is \\ m. S.E. of Caio Church. 

' Llanddewi Crwys is now called Llanycrwys=^Ae Rood Church, It is 4 m. E. 
from Lampeter. 

* This is a grey stone on a hill in Cellan parish, and is 2 m. E. of Llany crwys. It 
is 16 ft. long, and 24 ft. in circumference. It resembles a box with two inclined lids 
like the roof of a house, and hence its first name " Prenvol "=a small chest 

* Llwynywermon= /Ac " TFormwoorf Bush" is 3 m. N.W. of Caio. 

*® Hirvaen Gwyddog=.the guiding long-stone, is still erect in Cellan parish, on a 
mountain S. of the river Ffrwd, near Llany crwys. This also is 16 ft. high, on three 
sides about 3| ft., and the fourth 2^ ft. 

*' Rhosybedw^ </ie Birch Moor, is 1 m. from Llanycrwys Church. 

** Gwyddgryg is now sometimes erroneously called Gwyrgrug. It forms part of 
the manor of Talley, and the grange includes many farms, such as Tiryddolgoy, 
Ffosyravel, Rhoswen, etc* . In the " Taxatio " it is spelt " Gowithgrege.** 

^K Nantmawr, a farm in Conwyl Gaio. 

** Brechva=a hilly place, is situated 12 m. N.E. from Carmarthen. 

** Bryn yr Eidion=fAe Oxen-Hill, is 2 m. W. of Brechfa. 

*• This is supposed to be the field adjoining Alltyferin, now raised to the higher 
title of D61 yr Esgob, or the Bishop's Meadow. 

*^ Claudach is the name of the stream which runs into the Cothy river, close to 
Mynachdy mill. 

*■ Brunus is a large manor in Llanegwad, and extends to Velinwen. In the Liber 
Landavensis, p. 364, it is stated that Meredydd, son of Rhun, prince of Dyfed, expiated 
a murder by giving Brunus Manor, etc a., to the Church of Llandaff and its pastors. 



^2 



Brumis in fiuibus suis ; Penllunyr- 
hit apud Lanteilau Mawr, Ynysteilan, 
Llodre lago, Kylkynali, Gudynys, 
et Ynysyradar; et de terra quain 
Gwasteilau dedit : et de terra ec- 
clesie apud Aberkeunen : et de terra 
ecclesie apud Talharth, Keuenmeircb 
et Lankeinwyry, Volhowel, inter 
Yskenac et Henwen : et de Grangia 
de Karreckennen et Kilmanllut in 

finibus suis ; et de medietate Kilwr. 
Apud Keredigaun, Portbothin in 
finibus antiquis, Y Vardreiy, Ryt 
Ywein, Nant Kedivor, Brin Yron, 
Kynbyt, Molehedauc, cum molendinis 
et de communi pastura tocius terre 
ipsius Resi. 

Confirmacionem eciam quam idem 
ResuB per eandem cartam suam fecit 
eisdem Abbati et Conuentui, de om- 
nibus ecclesiis quas tunc possidebant 
in proprios usus quantum ad Domi- 
num fundi pertinebat, de ecclesia 



its boundaries, Penllwynyrbydd near 
Llandeilo-vawr ; Ynysteilo ; Llodre 
lago ; Cilcynan, Gwyddynys ; and 
Ynysyradar: and tbe land which 
Gwas Teilo* gave; and tbe land of 
the Church near Abercennen;* and 
the land of the Church at Talhardd,* 
Cefnmeirch, *and Llanceinwyryf,* 
Voelhowel* between Yskenac® and 
Henwen; and the grange of Carregcen- 
nen/ and Cilmaenllwyd* in all their 
boundaries : and the moiety of Cilwr.* 
Cardiganshire, Portbothin*® in the 
ancient boundaries, The Maerdrev," 
Rhydowain," Nantcadivor," Bryn- 
eyron," Cynbyd, Moelhedawg," with 
the mills and common pasture of 
the whole land of the said Rhys. 

The confirmation also, which the 
same Rhys by his same Charter 
made to the same Abbot and Con- 
vent of all the Churches which they 
then possessed to their own use, as 
much as to the Lord of ' the soil 
belonged ; the Church of Saint Cyn- 



* There was a Gwas Teilo in Gwent, contemporary with the Prince Rhys herein- 
after mentioned as one of the benefactors in this charter ; the descendants of both 
intermarried in the 4th and 3rd generation, the bridegropm being Meredydd, son of 
Griffith, Lord of Talley. 

2 This is the Church-land adjoining the river Cennen as it flows into the Towy at 
Llandeilo Fawr. 

3 Talhardd is IJ m. S.W, from Llandeilo. 

* Cefn Meirch=Me Bidge of the Cavalry, is mentioned in Liher Landavensis, p. 
322, as on the boundary of Llandeilo Fawr territory. " From NantUwyd to Ce& 
Meirch, from Cefn Meirch towards Crug Pedill Bechan." 

5 Llan Cein Wyryf=^Ac Church of St. Keyna the Virgin. She was daughter of 
Brychan. There are in Carmarthenshire two places which bear a corruption of this 
name ; viz., Llwyncynhwyra, nearly 4 m, S.W. of this abbey ; and Llwyncynyrys, 
2 m. N.W. of Llandovery. 

* This is land in the extreme east of Myddvai parish, between the rivers Henwen 
and Usk, and situate near Dolhowel Church, mentioned in p. 64. 

"f Sarregcennen is 4 m. S.E. of Llandeilo Fawr. On a lofty cliff stands the castle, 
in which there was a chapel. 

■ Cilmaenllwyd=tAe Grey-stone Corner, is 1 m. N. from the aforesaid castle. 

» Cilwr is 1 J m. S.E. of Abergorlech, and it gives name to the hamlet. In former 
times it was called Tir Gwaun Mynach=Me Monk* a Meadow Land. 

>o This seems to be Borthoin in Llandyssil parish. An extinct chapelry was in the 
hamlet of Borthin, and went under that name. Blaen Porthin is 1 m. N.W. of Llanllwni. 

" Maerdrev=Mc Bailiff's District, The farm stands 1 m. N.E. from Llandyssil. 
Formerly a chapel existed in the Maerdrev hamlet. 

^2 Rhydowain is supposed to derive its name from a " ford " which Prince " Owain" 
of Gwynedd crossed in 1137. It is situate 4 m. N.E. from Llandyssil. 

'® Nant Cadivor=.Carfii;or's Streamlet. This appears to be a stream that runs into 
the Teivi midway between the Cerdin and the Clettwr, and gave name to a farm on 
its banks. There is now a farm called Blaen Cwm Cadivor, 1 i m. N. of Maerdrev. 

** TKe Geyron river runs into the Clettwr near Alltyrodin mansion. 

1^ Moelhedawg is a farm on the base of a conical mountain of the same name 
4 miles W. of Llanwenog. 



63 



Sancti Kynwil, cum capellis de 

Lansadum, et Lanurdam, et Pistill- 

sawil, et Lanypymseint, et ceteris ad 

eandem spectantibus ; Lanteilau Vaur 

cuin capellis, et aliis pertinenciis 

suis, et de ecclesia Sancti Davidis 

de Dinewr ; ecclesia de Lantevassan, 

ecclesia Sancti Michaelis de Aber- 

bythyche ; de capella de Karrecken- 

nen, Lanogwat Vaur cum capellis 

de Lanteilau Brunus et Lanehernyn, 

et capella Sancti Michaelis de Lech- 

meilir, et aliis pertinenciis suis : 

Lanteilau Brechua apud Keredigaun, 
et de ecclesia Sancti Michaelis de 
Penbryn, cum capellis de Baglan 
et Brithdir et Karlighest et de 
Porthothin et capella filiorum Ydhal 
filiis Rael, et ecclesia de Lancoyt- 



wil,* with the chapels of Llansadwrn ' 
and Llanwrdaf,* and Pistyllsawyl * and 
Llanypumpsant,*^. and others to the 
same belonging; Llandeilo-vawrwith 
the chapels and other its appurten- 
ances ; and the Church of Saint 
David® of Dinevawr : the Church of 
Llan-Dyvei-sant/the Church of Saint 
Michael of Aberbythych ; ® the chapel 
of Carregcennen f Llanegwad Vawr '® 
with the chapels of Llandeilo Brunus *^ 
and Llan-yn-hirnin," and the chapel 
of Saint Michael of Llechmeilir, and 
their other appurtenances, Llandeilo- 
brechva** in Cardiganshire, and the 
Church of Saint Michael of Pen- 
bryn," with the chapels of Baglan' 
and Brithdir,'* and Caerllegest '* and 
Porthothin,'^ and the chapel of the 
sons of Ithael the son of Eahael ; 
and the Church of Llancoedmawr,** 



* Cynwyl Gaio is a parish of whicli the Church, dedicated to St. Cynwyl, is 5 m. 
N.E. from the abbey. 

' Llansadwrn Church is 3 m. N. of Llangadog. It takes its name from its dedi- 
catioD to Sadwm, the knight. 

' Llanwrda Church lies a mile westward of Llansadwrn. There is a contrariety of 
opinion relative to the person to whom this Church was dedicated. Theophilus 
Jones, in his History of Breconshire, 7., p. 70, suggests St. Cawrdaf ; Professor Rees, 
" Gwr Da," or the holy man. Another conjecture may be hazarded whether the saint 
be not " Teilo," the " Gwr Daf," or the " Man of the Taf," on the banks of which 
river he lived many years, and, as the monkish writers assure us, performed wondrous 
miracles. 

* Pistyllsawel is now called Ffynnon Sawyl, and is in Llansawel parish. 

* Llanypumpsant, or the Church of the 5 saints, is now called Pumsant. It is 1| 
m. W. of Conwil Gaio. There are now hardly any traces of the large Chapel of Ease 
formerly existent in this place. 

* This was a chapel in Dynevor Castle. 

' Llan Dyvei Sant, or the Church of St. Tyfei, brother of St. Ismael, is built on 
the site of a Roman edifice, in Dynevor Park. 

* Aberbythych Church is i miles S.W. from Llandyfeisant. 

* This was a chapel in the castle. It was attached to Llandeilo Church. 

'° This Church is 7^ m. E. from Carmarthen. It was dedicated to Egwad, a great 
grandson of Gildas. 

•* The site of Brunus Chapel was close to the N. of the railway bridge that now 
crosses the river Towy near Abercothi. The remaining stone material of the chapel 
were taken to build the farm house called Llandeilo-rwnws. 

•' Hirnin Chapel was annexed to Llanegwad Church. Its site was on a field now 
forming part of Twyn farm. 

'3 This appears to be the Brechfa about 6 miles southwards from Tregaron, and 
probably the place mentioned in Goodwins Bishops, "In Brecua, Llanguruaet mainaur." 

'* Penbryn is on Cardigan coast, half way between Aberporth and Llangranog. 
The locality is most interesting from the numerous remains of antiquity. 

'* Brithdir is 2 m. N. of Troedyraur. 

*• Caerllegest is !§ m. N. of Llangeitho Church. 

'7 Porthodin, otherwise Port-hodni or Howni, is now called Aberporth. It is on 
the sea coast in Cardiganshire. Tlie river which there falls into the sea is now named 
Howni. The Church is dedicated to St. Cynwyl. 

'« Llancoedmawr=the " Church in the great woods," is 1 m. E. of Cardigan town, 
and its patron saint is Cynllo. 



64 



maur, et ecclesia de Berwic et ec- 
clesia Sancti Dayidi de Dolhowel. 

Donacionem eciam et confirmacio- 
nem quas Eesus filius Eesi junioris, 
per cartam suam fecit eisdem Abbati 
et Conuentui, in puram et perpetuam 
elemosinam, de porcione ^terre de 
Eskeirnant, illam scilicet que est 
inter Nant Velin Coygs et fossatam 
factam ab amne Duleis sursum ver- 
sus capellam, et ab ilia fossata 
sursum per valleni vsque ad magnum 
aceruum lapidum, ab illo aceryo 
lapidum vsque at Gwerncolmon, et 
ab illo loco fine inter nemus et 
campum ducente versus Blain Pen- 
uenit vsque ad fossatam, et ab ilia 
fossata valle sursum ducente vsque 
ad Cruc Cletwin, et ab illo Cruc 
vsque ad Cam Toll, et a Cam Toll 
sursum vsque ad Ryt Karreggaug 
super rivulum proximum vltra Karn 
Toll, illo rivulo decendente vsque ad 
hostium suum, vbi descendit in 
Krymlin. 

Donacionem eciam et concessionem 
quas idem Eesus per eandem cartam 
suam fecit eisdem Abbati et Conuen- 
tui de tota terra inter riuulum de- 
scendentem de fonte Gueliant et 
Abbatiam, et ab ilia fonte totum 
nemus sursum vsque ad Blainnant 
Cumbyr, et de tota terra ilia qpe 
vocatur Eskeir Euclin. 

Confirmacionem eciam quam idem 
Eesus per eandem cartem suam fecit 
eisdem Abbati et Conuentui, de om- 
nibus terris, redditibus, et possessioni- 
bus, quas habent ex donacione Eesi 
Magni proaui predicti Eesi filii Eesi, 
vel ex donacione cuiuslibet heredum 
suorum vet aliorum magnatum 



and the Church of Berwig,* and the 
Church of St. David of DolhoweL* 

Also the gift and confirmation 
which Ehys the son of Ehys Vychan 
by his Charter made to the same 
Abbot and Convent, in pure and 
perpetual alms, of a portion of the 
land of Esgairnant, to wit, that 
which is between Nant Velin Coyg 
. . and the trench made from the 
river Dulais-up towards the chapel, 
and from that trench up through 
the valley unto a great heap of 
stones, from that heap of stones 
unto Gwerncolman, and thence the 
boundary leading towards Blaen Pen- 
vynydd unto a trench, and from that 
trench in the valley leading up to 
Crug Gledwyn, and from that Crug 
unto Carn Twll, and from Cam 
Twll up to Carregog Ford on the 
stream next beyond Cam Twll, by 
that stream descending unto its 
efflux, where it falls into Crymlyn.' 

Also the gift and grant which the 
same Ehys, by his same Charter 
made to the same Abbot and Con- 
vent, of all the land between the 
stream descending from the Cwm- 
bleawg spring and the Abbey, and 
from that spring all the wood up 
to Blaen Nant Cwmbyr, and aU 
that land which is called Esgair 
Euclin. 

Also the confirmation which the 
same Ehys by his same Charter 
made to the same Abbot and Con- 
vent of all the lands, rents, and 
possessions which they have of the 
gift of Ehys the Great, the great 
grandsire of the aforesaid Ehys ab 
Ehys, or of the gift of any of their 



* Berwig or Verwig is 2 m. N. from Cardigan. This Chnrch is dedicated to St. 
Pedrog, who, according to Cressy, was a scion of some Welsh prince. He was buried 
at Bodjnin. 

* Dolhowel Church, now extinct, was situate on the borders of the parish of Llywel 
in Breconshire ; but it gave its name to a hamlet in the adjoining parish of Myddvai, 
in CO. Carmarthen. In Pope Nicholas's Taxation, Anno 1291, are the words, "Abbas 
de Talelleze habet grangias de Dolheuwel et Brunlles duas carucatas terre cum aliis 
commoditatibus 18s. Od." Brynllys is also in Breconshire. 

' The land described in this section appears to be in the W. of co. Carmarthen. 
Llan Golman and Llan Glydwen are within 4 miles of each other. There is a Ceu- 
nant or Nant Coy also in the same part. 



.65 



Sudwallie cum omnibus libertatibus, 
et vtilitatibus que ex eis provenire 
poterant. 

Confirmacionem eciam quam Resus 

Resi filius, Principis Sudwallie per 

cartam suam fecit Abbati et Conuen- 

tui loci predicti, de omnibus terris 

que habuerunt ex donacione Gur- 

geneu et Rys filiorum Moridic, et 

filiorum eorundem, videlicet Dauit 

isrl (?) et presrl (?) Meuryc, Mor- 
gan, et Morwran, prout hiis terniinis 
continentur, scilicet : ab aceruo qui 
est terminus inter predictos et filios 
Heylin iuxta riuulum Naumhaur per 
transuersum vsque ad crepidinem 
Moylwre, deinde per transuersum in 
vadum Carregauc in riuulum Guen, 
de inde Guen in longitudine sui 
vsque ad ortum, de inde per tran- 
suersum vsque Cwmbyr, illo ducente 
ad Croys, et illo ducente riuulo vsque 
ad ortum suum, de inde valle ducente 
vsque Blain Pyb, et illo riuulo du- 
cente vsque Ryt Morynnyon, de 
inde Marleys ducente vsque in alium 
Marleys, et ultimo Marleys ducente 
versus ortum, vsque ad ostium Nant- 
ywetiw, et illo riuulo ducente vsque 
in ortum suum, de inde per transver- 
sum in Bloteuen. 

Confirmacionem eciam, quam Mer- 
edud filius Oweni per cartam suam 
fecit eisdem Abbati et Conuentui, 
de omnibus terris, ecclesiis, et 
possessionibus, quas habuerunt ex 
donatione Patris, Aui, Proaui, vel 

auunculorum suorum, sen ex dona- 
cione aliorum magnatum vel nobilium 
de Detheubarth, in puram et per- 
petuum elemosinam, quiete ab omni 
seculari exaccione, possidendas et 
nominatim de terra que vocatur 



heirs, or of other Magnates of South 
Wales, with all liberties and profits 
which from them could arise. 

Also the confirmation which Rhys, 
the son of Rhys, Prince of South 
Wales, by his Charter made to the 
Abbot and Convent of the aforesaid 
place, of all the lands which they 
had of the gift of Gwrgeneu and 
Rhys, the sons of Moreiddig, and 

their sons, to wit,' David 

Meirig, Morgan, and Morwran, as 
by these bounds they are contained, 
to wit, from the Cairn (which marks 
the boundary between the aforesaid 
and the sons of Heilin) near Naw- 
mawr stream across unto the foot 
of Moelvre, thence across to Car- 
regog ford in the river Gwen, thence 
along Gwen unto its source, thence 
across unto Cwmbyr, that Cwm lead- 
ing to Crwys stream, and along that 
unto its source, thence by the valley 
leading to the spring of the Pib, 
and along that stream unto the 
Maidens' Ford, thence following 
Marlais unto another Marlais, and 
along this last Marlais towards its 
source unto its confluence with the 
stream Nantywetiw, and along this 
stream unto its source, thence across 
to Blodeuen.i 

Also the confirmation which Mer- 
edydd ab Owen by his Charter made 
to the same Abbot and Convent, of 
all lands, churches, and possessions 
which they had of the gift of his 
father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, 
or of his uncles, or of the gift of 
other Magnates or Nobles of South 
Wales, in pure and perpetual alms, 
quit of all secular demands, to be 
possessed, and especially the land 
which is called Maerdrev,^ Gwynion- 
ydd,^ Bi-yneyron,^ Rhyd Owen,^ Nant 



* The land described in the foregoing section appears to be situate to the South 
Westward of Pencadair, in Carmarthenshire. 

* Previously noticed. 

* Gwynionydd gives name to a district in the S. of Cardiganshire, formerly in- 
cluding all the parishes adjoining the river Teivi as far as Cardigan. The castle, 
now bearing the name of Pen Coed Voel, is H m. N. by E. from Llandyssil. Prince 
Rhys took it in 1164, and shortly afterwards, by arbitration, it was allotted to his son 
Rhys, its donor to the abbey. 

9 



66 



Mayrdreiv, Qwinonit, Brynyron, Ryt 
Ywein, Nant Kedin, Kynbyt Ysalld, 
pront hiis terminis continentur; ab 
hostio Kerdin in Teiui yersus ortum 
suam vsque Aber KeTQil, Keveil in 
longitudino sui vsque ad ortnm 
snum, et ab ortu eins per tranuersum 
Tsque Blayr Pant y Mocb : Pant y 
Mocb ducente vsque ad fossam; inde 
descendentem fossa ilia ducente 
vsque Kaletur; Kaletur vsque Aber- 
menei; Menei versus ortum suum 
Gweun Ruth; ab inde vsque ad 
fontem versus viam maiorem venien- 
tem de Elan Nant Kediuor; et a 
fonte vsque ad viam illam ; et tranfi 
viam illam vsque ad moram parvam ; 
et ab ilia mora vsque BleidbuU ; et 
a Bleid recte vsque Blan y Pantsych ; 
et ilia valle ducente vsque Blan Nant 
Kediuor; illo riuulo desc^dente 
vsque Aber y Ffynnaun; ab inde 
rivuulo illis fontis in sursum ducente 
vsque ad ortum suum; et ab inde 
versus viam ubi proxima est dicto 
fonte ; et trans viam illam versus 
lapides magnos iacentes in campo; 
ab illis lapidibus per tranversum 
vsque Cayr Huvid; et a Cayr Huvid 
vsque Corderwen ; et ab inde vsque 
ad fontem; fqnte illo descendente 
vsque ad pratum in valle; et inde 
versus Teivi; sicut satis noti sunt, 
fines Teivi vsque Aber Kerdin, vbi 
cepit prima diffinicio. 

De terra eciam de Molhehedauc 
sicut hiis terminis continetur : Ab 
Hescluyn artabetur vsque Cribin; 
ab inde yr Carn ; et ab inde fossat 
ducente vsque Cruc; et a Cruc vsque 
Carn super montem ; ab inde vsque 
Cam arall iuxta Moyle Hedauc ; ab 
inde ad lapidem album stantem in 



Cerdin, Cynbyd Isallt, as by these 
bounds they are encompassed : from 
Abercerdin* in Teivi, towards its 
source as far as Abercevel,* along the 
stream Cevel unto its source,' and 
from its source across unto Blaen 
Pant y Moch ; Pant y Moch* leading 
unto the trench; that trench leading^ 
to Clettwr ;* the stream Clettwr unto 
its confluence with Menai; Menai 
towards its source at Gwaun Rhydd; 
thence unto the spring towards the 
High Way leading from Blaen Nant 
Cadivor ; and from that spring unto 
that Way, and across that Way to the 
little Moor ; and from that Moor unto 
the Wolves' Pool, and from that Pool 
straight to Blaen y Pantsych ; and 
through that Pant or Dingle leading 
unto the source of Nant Cadivor; by 
this stream descending to Aber y Ffyn- 
non; thence along this Ffynnon from 
its outlet up to its source; and 
thence towards the road nearest to 
the said source; and over that road 
towards the great stones lying in a 
field ; from those stones across unto 
Caer Hyveidd ; and from Caer Hy- 
veidd unto Gwarderwen ; and thence 
unto the spring: by that spring 
descending to the meadow in the 
valley; and thence towards Teivy, 
and as the bounds of Teivy are well 
known, unto Abercerdin,* where the 
first boundary began. 

The land also df Moel Hedog,* 
as by these bounds encompassed : 
It is defined from Islwyn unto Cribin ; 
thence to the Cairn; thence by a 
ditch leading to the Crug; and from 
the Crug unto a Cairn upon the hill ; 
thence unto another Cairn near Moel 
Hedog; thence to the white stone 
standing in the valley ; thence to 
the source of Cathal stream ;** thence 



> Abercerdin, or the conflux of the Cerdin with the Teivi, is ]^ m. N. from Llandyssil. 

* Abercevail is 1| m. N. from Abercerdin. 

2 The source at a place called " Y Gaer," is about IJ m. northwards from Abercevail. 

* From the Gaer through Pant y Moch eastwards unto the river Clettwr is nearly 
l^m. 

* Previously noticed. 

« Blaen Cathal is nearly ^ m. from the summit of Moelhedog. 



67 



valle ; ab^ inde vsque Blayn* Cathil ; 
ab inde yalle ducente vsque Carn; 
et a Carn vsque Blayn Camnant; 
Camnant in longitudine sui vsque 
Caletur; et Caletur vsque Heslunen. 

Et de terra de Porthoin prout hiis 
terminis continetur : A mari Hodin 
ducente in longitudine sui versus 
ortum suum vsque Nant Pthwymu- 
nit; ab illo inde ducente vsque in 
ortum suum ; de inde fossa ducente ; 
et postea per tranuersum vsque ad 
fossam aquosam vlteriorem iuxta 
terram sitam filiorum Mayaut; ilia 
fossa ducente vsque ad fossam Nant 
Helic; et inde Nant Helic ducente 
in mare. Et de terris grangiarum 
de Gudgruc et de Brechva in omni- 
bus finibus suis. 

Donacionem eciam, concessionem, 

et confirmacionem quas Willielmus 

dje Breusa, de consilio et consensu 

•vxoris sue, et proborum virorum de 

Went, per cartam suam fecit Abbati 

et Conuentui loci predicti, de tota 

terra ipsius Willielmi, de Koet Gor- 
vynen, et de Rivgoch, inter amnem 
de Wenfrvt et fossam que cadit 
de Creic Riem in Vsyt iuxta Ryt 
y Pystill; et ilia predicta fossa 
extendente se vsque ad verticem mon- 
tis de Creic Riem ; et de inde vsque 
Dar y Gicuran per tranuersum mon- 
tis, in bosco et piano, in pratis et 
moribus, subtus terram et supra. 
Et de tota terra in campo Hubert 
apud Yskyryt Vechan, in diuisis et 
termines, in puram et perpetuam 



by the valley leading to a Cairn,* 
and from that Cairn to the source 
of the Camnant ;* along this stream 
unto Clettwr' stream : and from 
Clettwr to Islwyn. 

And the land of Porthodin* as by 

these bounds encompassed : Prom 

the sea along Hodin* towards its 

source unto Nant Tre Wimwnt stream, 

thence leading to its source ; thence 

by the trench ; and then across unto 

the further water-ditch near the land 
of the sons of Morgant; that ditch 
leading to Nant-helyg® trench ; and 
thence Nant-helyg leading into the 
sea. And the lands of the granges 
of Gwyddgrug' and Brechva' acfcord- 
ing to all their bounds. 

Also the gift, grant, and confirma- 
tion which William de Braose® by 
the advice and consent of his wife, 
and the good men of Gwent, by 
his Charter made to the Abbot and 
Convent of the aforesaid place of 
all the land of the said William, 
of Coed Gorvynen and Rhiw Goch* 
between Gwenffrwd river and the 
trench which runs from Craig y Rhiw* 
into Usk near Rhyd y Pistyll ; * and 
the aforesaid trench extending to 
the top of Craig y Rhiw® mountain, 
and thenpe to the Raven's Oak 
across the mountain, in wood and 
plain, in meadows and moors, under 
and above the earth, and the whole 
land in Hubert's Field, at the Little 
Sky rid,*" in its divisions and bounds, 
in pure and perpetual alms. And 



* The Cam appears to be " Cam Wyn," J m. S. of Blaen Cathal. 

* Camnant source is ^ m. S.W. from the Cam Wyn. 
' Clettwr is reached in another ^ m. 

* Porthodin is now called Aberporth. It is on the coast. 

* Hodin is the river that flows through Aberporth. It is now called Howni; and 
Tre Wimwnt is now the name of a farm about 1 m. S.B. from Aberporth. 

* Helyg="7%e Wiliows" is a farm nearly | m. E. from Aberporth. 
^ Already noticed. 

* William de Braose was eldest son of Philip de Braos, and he married Maud de 
Haya, otherwise Maud de St. Walery. He died A.D. 1212. 

* These localities are midway between Crickhowel and Abergavenny. The Gwen- 
ffrwd separates the Counties of Brecon and Monmouth. Graig y Rhiw Goch, Pant y 
Rhiw Goch, and Pistyll Gwyn are names still extant. The land forms a portion of the 
lovely vale of Usk. 

*• The Little Skyrid=tAc Rugged Mountain, is 1 m. E. from Abergavenny. 



68 



elemosinam. Et de pastura sua de 
Telari ad opus animalium fratrnm 
Buorum qui moram fecerint in pre- 
dicta terra de Went. 

Donacionem eciam, concessionem, 
et confirmacionem quas Johannes 
de Braus primogenitus Willielmi de 
Braus, Dominus de Ghoer, per car- 
tarn suam fecit Abbati et Conuontui 
loci predicti, de terra ilia que dicitur 
Killewen, in finibus et pertinenciis 
suis. Et de terra ilia que dicitur 
Kethlie Thrim inter fossam descen- 
* dentem de Kethle Wen sicut vadit 
in Leu, et ilium riuulum qui dicitur 
Leu ; cum bosco et piano, pasturis, 
moris, et aquis, et cum omni vtilitate 
que exinde prouenire poterit, libere 
et quiete ab omni seculari exaccione 
imperpetuum. 

Confirmacionem eciam quam idem 

Johannes per eandem cartam suam 
fecit Abbati et Conuontui loci pre- 
dicti, de terra in Gwent quas habuer- 
unt ex dono W. de Breaus, aui sui, 
videlicet, Eue Skerit, et inter Gwen- 

fnid et Lanwenard, et de comnnnii 
pastura animal ibus f rat rum habi- 
tancium in terris Lominatis, et de 
libertate ab exadcione cuiuslibet 
tolonCi in terra ipsius Johannis. 
Donacionem eciam, et concessionem 

quas Wyaum, Maredud, et Lyeilyn 

lilius Heylyn in perpetuam elemosi- 

nam fecerunt Sancte Marie Virgiui 

et Sancto Augustino, et Canonicis 

loci predicti de terra ilia a Nant- 

maur vsque ad Goyd Gruc ; a Goyt 

Gruc vsque ad fluvium Blodewen ; 
et inde ad Wenfrud; et ubi Nant- 



his pasture of Telari, for the use 
of the animals of their brethren who 
may stay in the aforesaid land of 
Gwent. 

Also the gift, grant, and confirma- 
tion which John de Braose,* eldest 
■son of William de Braose, Lord of 
Gower, by his Charter made to the 
Abbot and Convent of the aforesaid 
place, of that land which is called 
Gelli Wen in its bounds and appur- 
tenances ; and that land which is 
called Gelly Thrim, between the 
trench descending from Gelly Wen 
as it runs into Lliw,* and the stream 
which is called Lliw, with wood and 
plain, pastures, moors, and waters, 
and with every profit which can 
arise therefrom, free and quit of 
all secular demands for ever. 

Also the confirmation which the 
the same John, by his same Charter 
made to the Abbot and Convent 
of the aforesaid place, of the land 
in Gwent which they had of the 
gift of W. de Braose his grandsire, 
to wit, Eueskyrid, and between 
Gwenffrwd* and Llanwenarth' and the 
common pasture for the animals of 
the brethren dwelling in the land 
named, and freedom from any kind 
of toll in the land of the same John. 

Also the gift and grant which 
Gwion, Meredydd, and Llewelyn, 
tlie sons of Heylin, in perpetual 
alms made to Saint Mary the Vir- 
gin, and Saint lAugustin, and the 
Canons of the aforesaid place, of 
that land from Nantmawr* unto Coed 
Grug,* from Coed Grug unto the 
river Blodeiyn,* and thence to Gwen- 
fifrwd,* and where Nantmawr falls 



^ John de Braos, lord of Gower, son of William, was brought up privately by a 
Welsh woman in Gower. His father was starved to death by King John ; some say 
in Windsor Castle, others, in Oorlf Castle. He married Margaret, d. of Llywelyn, 
Prince of Wales, and died in 1231-2. 

2 The river Lliw runs into the Loughor from the eastwards to the S. of Castell 
Loughor. 

« Llanwenarth stands 1 m. W. of Abergavenny. Its Church is dedicated to St. 
Petet. See page 67. 

* The Nantmawr flowing northerly unites with the Gwenffrwd, close to the E. of 
Pencadair, in Carmarthenshire. Coed Grug is on the former river, and Blodeiyn 
joins the Gwenffrwd, 2 m. before it reaches Pencadair. 



(59 



into Gwenffrwd, in its woods, fields, 
pastures, and waters. 

Also the gift, grant, and confirma- 
tion which the heirs of Madawg and 
Tudor, sons of Ivor, to wit, Madawg 
Vychan and Traharn the sons of 
Howel, and Traharn Vychan, lor- 
werth ah Tudor, and his sister Lucy, 
with their sons and coheirs on the 
ex parte Ivor filii Gogaun, per 
cartam suam fecerunt Abbati et 
Conuentui loci predicti, in puram 
et perpetuam elemosinam, de tota 
terra quam habent ex donacione 
Madauc et Tadoy, parentum suorum, 
apud Brunoys et Brynguyn et 
Llethuemaut, secundem porcionem 
illorum in predictis terris, sicut hiis 
terminis continetur: — O penn y dol 
hit y foss Kiluach yr Eilyn, in fini- 
bus et terminis assignatis inter 
heredes Ivor et heredes Kyndelv, — 
foss Kiluach yr Eilyn, yt y nant; 
or nant yr Wern hyt y foss ; y foss 
yn ygorthoyneb versus ortum suum 
vsque teir Dar ys syd yn Anwaeret 
Kynan ; or teir Dar y fin yn y hyt 
hyt y penn uchaf; o penn y fin 
kymryd y tir hyt y nant; y nant 
yn ygorthoyneb hyt y Weun Kud; 
odyna kymer y foss ar traus y Weun 
Rud, a gerdha yna dan y Godor 



maur cadit in Wenfrut, in nemori- 
bus, campis, pascuis et aquis. 

Donacionem eciam, concessionem, 
et confirmacionem quas heredes 
Madauc et Tudoy filiorum Ivor, sci- 
licet Madauc Vychan et Trahaern 
filii Howel et Trahaern Vychan, lor- 
werth filius Tudoy et Lleucu soror 
eius, cum filius et coheredibus suis 
side of Ivor ab Gwgan, by their 
Charter made in pure and perpetual 
alms to the Abbot and Convent 
of the aforesaid place, of all the 
land which they have of the gift 
of Madawg and Tudor their parents 
at Brunus, and Bryngwyn* and 
Llethrnant,* according to their por- 
tion in the aforesaid lands, as by 
these bounds encompassed : — From 
the extremity of the meadow' to 
Gilfach yr Eilun ditch in the bounds 
and terminations assigned between 
the heirs of Ivor and the heirs of 
Cynddelw. From Gilfach yr Eilun* 
ditch to the stream,* from the stream 
to the Wern® along the ditch,^ the 
ditch being left towards its extremity, 
unto the Three Oaks that are in 
Cynan's meadow ; from the Three 
Oaks along the boundary till its 
highest point ; from this point take 
the land unto the stream ; the stream 
being left, unto Waun Rhydd : * 
thence take the ditch running across 
Waun Rhydd, and walk below the 
Godor* unto the stream ; the stream 



* Bryngwyn seems to be now subdivided into farms, bearing the names of Pen- 
llwyn Gwyn, Llwyngwyn, and Cwmgwyn, within the boundaries afterwards described. 

• Llethmant is now also a farm situate between Melin Gwm village And the river 
Cothi. It is in the manor of Llechvraeth, of which Earl Cawdor is the lord. 

* This meadow called Dol-hir seems to be a field in Pantyveiddwr farm, near 
White Mill, and 4J m. E. of Carmarthen. On that field there was an ancient chapel, 
and lettered grave stones are still to be seen in its hedges. 

* Gilvach* yr Eilun^Mc Imagers Niche, now called Gilvach, Gilvach Berthog, and 
Gilvach yr Evel, is at present divided into two farms. 

* This stream is named the " Annell ;" it runs through Melin Wen to the Towy. 

• This farm is now called Werndrevi, and is close to Llanvihangel Church. 

^ This ditch has not been effaced, and runs from Werndrevi towards Waun Rhydd, 
hereinafter named. 

• Waun B.h.ydd=zthe Common Field, is a farm i m. W. of Llanvihangel Church. 

• Godor=a gap or opening, is a farm J m. N. of Waun Rhydd, at present occupied 
by Mr. D. Jones, to whose kindness and intelligence this section of the charter 
is indebted for its elucidation. 



70 



hyt J nant; y nant o foss y 
Godor hyt ygcleudach; Cleudach 
hyt yghothi; Cothi yn y hyt hyt 
ymhen y dol hir, vbi incepit prima 
diffinicio, in bosco et piano, in pascuis 
et moris, molendinis et piscariis, et 
in omnibus prouentibus, super ter- 
ram et subtus terram, similiter cum 
pastura communi tocius terre sue 
Animalibus preditorum Abbatis et 
Conuentus. 

Donacionem eciam, concessionem 
«t confirmacionem quas Kynvricus 
de Wistyn et Kynuricus, Kynanh 
et filii Kynuryk Crach per cartam 
8uam fecerunt eisdem Abbatti et 
Conuentui, in puram et perpetuam 
•elemosinam de tota parte sua et tota 
parte pertinente ad Lewelinum Crach 
Coch, et heredes suos in campo de 
Anwaeret Kynan, scilicet, de tribus 
acris et quarta parte unius acre ; et 
tota parte sua apud Berthloet, et 
teir ystag apud Guem yr Yspyty; 
et teir ystag apud Bon yr Auallen 
yn Ystrad Brunos; et de omni eo 
quod ad ipsos pertinuit jure heredi- 
tario in terris de Bryn Gwjm, et de 
Llethvarnat issaf et de Llethvarnat 
vchaf. 

Donacionem eciam et concessionem 
quas Grono ab Gwyn, per cartam 
suam fecit Abbati et Conuentui loci 
predicti, in puram et perpetuam 
elemosinam, de dimidietate terra que 
dicitur Cumbleauc. 

Confirmacionem eciam quam Resus 
filius Griffini per cartam suam fecit 
Abbati et Conuentui loci predicti, 
de terra ecclesie Sancti Michaelis de 
Penbrin, prout hiis terminis contine- 
tur: — a cimiterio eiusdem ecclesie 



from Godor ditch unto Claudach' 
(brook); along Claudach to the 
(river) Cothi; along Cothi to the 
extremity of the long meadow, 
where the first boundary begins, in 
wood and plain, in pastures and 
moors, mills and fisheries, and in 
produces both upon the land, and 
under the land, likewise with the 
common pasture of all their land 
for the animals of the aforesaid 
Abbot and Convent. 

Also the gift, grant, and con- 
firmation which Cynvrig of Wiston, 
and Cynvrig, Cynan and the sons 
of Cynvrig Crach, by their Charter 
made in pure and perpetual alms 
to the same Abbot and Convent of 
all their share and the whole share 
belonging to Llewelyn Crach Coch, 
and his heirs, in the field of ,^- 
waered Cynan, to wit, three acres 
and a quarter of an acre; and all 
their shares at Berthlwyd;* and three 
perches at Gwern yr Ysbytty,' and 
three perches at Bon yr Avallen in 
Brunus* valley, and every thing which 
to them belonged by hereditary right 
in the lands of Bryn Gwyn,* and 
Llethvarnad Isaf* and Llethvarnad 
Uchaf.» 

Also the gift and grant which 
Grono ab Gwyn by his charter made 
in pure and perpetual alms, to the 
Abbot and Convent of the aforesaid 
place, of the moiety of the land 
which is called Cwmbleawg.* 

The confirmation also which Rhys 
ab Griffith by his charter made in 
pure and perpetual alms to the 
Abbot and Convent of the aforesaid 
place, of the land of the Church 
of Saint Michael of Penbryn,* as by 
these bounds encompassed : — from 



> Claudach is the name of a stream that runs southward into the Cothi at Myn- 
achdy Mill, or the Monastery Mill. 

* Berthlwyd seems to be situate 2 m. N.W. of Llandeilo. 

* This place is said to be Cil Wern in Llangathen parish. 

* Already noticed. 

* lilethvarnad appears likely (from the context) to be a mistake for Llethmant J 
and this place is said to have been divided into two farms, now called Nant y Paun 
and Nant y Bastau, the first word Llethr being elided. 



71 



magna strata dacente vsqne ad 

cmcem; et a cruce eadem strata 

ducente vsque ad vadum in Bern 

versus Porthotny; ab inde Bern 

ducente Tsque in Seyt; et exinde 

Seyt ducente Tsque in mare: ex 

altera parte a cimiterio Tsque Hod- 
nant; et Hodnant vsque mare. 

Ratas Habentes et gratas eas pro 

nobis et heredibus nostris quantum 

in nobis est dilectis nobis in Christo 

Abbati et Conuentui loci predict!, et 

successoribus suis, Concedimus et 

confirmamus prout carte predicte 
rationabiliter testantur, et prout 
ijdem Abbas et Conuentus et prede- 
cessores sui predicti terras tenementa 
ecclesias et capellas predicta hactenus 
rationabiliter tenuerunt. In Cuius 
rei testimonium has litteras nostras 
fieri fecimus patentes. Teste meipso 
apud Westmonasterium vicesimo 
quarto die Marc^*, anno regni nostri 
decimo septimo." 

Nos autem donaciones, conces- 

siones, et confirmaciones predictas, 
necnon donacionem, concessionem, 
et confirmacionem quas heredes 
Griffini et Traharn filiorum Hodlu, 
scilicet, Kediuor et Lywelin filii 
Griffud ; Traharn paruus, lorverth 
major et lorverth junior filij Tra- 



the cemetery of the same Church, 
by the high street leading up to the 
cross ; and from the cross by the 
same street leading to the ford in 
Beron-' towards Porthhodni; thence 
Beron leading to Saeth,* and thence 
Saeth leading to the sea; on the 
the other side from the cemetery 
unto Hodnant;* and from Hodnant 
unto the sea. Having Ratified 
and confirmed the same for Us and 
Our Heirs as much as in Us is, to 
Our beloved in Christ, the Abbot 
and Convent of the aforesaid place, 
We do grant and confirm as the 
aforesaid Charters reasonably wit- 
ness, and as the same Abbot and 
Convent and their predecessors have 
hitherto the aforesaid lands, tene- 
ments. Churches, and chapels reason- 
ably held. In Witness whereof 
We have caused these Our Letters 
Patent to be made. Witness Our- 
self at Westminster, the 24th day 
of March, in the seventeenth year 
of Our reign." [1324.] 

We indeed the gifts, grants, and 
confirmations aforesaid, also the gift,, 
grant, and confirmation which the 
heirs of Griffith and Traharn the 
sons of Hoedliw,' to wit, Cadivor 
and Llewelyn, sons of Griffith; 
Traharn Vychan, lorwerth the elder ^ 
and lorwerth the younger, sons of 
Traharn; the heirs also of Gwr- 



> Beron is the name of the stream which runs into the river Saeth=X)arf, andl 
united, they fall into the sea midway between Penbryn and Aberporth. 

* This river, now teimed Hoff nant, runs into the sea on the other, or N. side of 
Penbryn. 

* This Hoedliw was a descendant of Idio Wyllt, cousin of Prince Rhys ab Tewdwr^ 
slain 1089i He is here said to have two sons : 

I. Griffith, father of Cadivor and Llewelyn. 

IL Traharn, who, by marrying Joan, daughter and coheiress of Griffith ab 
Meurig Goch, became possessed of her purparty, Rhydodin, an estate, still 
of that name (Anglice. Edwinsford), situate IJ m. N. of the abbey. By hi& 
wife he had three sons : 

1. Philip, whose descendants resided at Edwinsford. 

2. Traharn Vychan. 

3. lorwerth or Edward, who was father of 
(1.) lorwerth Vychan. 

(2.) Evan, whose eventual heiress, his great grand-daughter, married Rhys- 
Vawr ab Griffith ab Llewelyn Vongam. 
Rhydodin, or Edwinsford estate, is now poss^sed by Sir James-HaxQlyn- Williams 
WiQiams-Drammond, bom in January, 1857. 



72 



ham; heredes quoque Gurgeneu 

Seis, scilicet Enyr filius Gurgenneu 

et Madauc panius nepos eiiis, et 

nepotes eiusdem Madoc, scilicet, fijii 

Traharn et Howel filiorum Madoc 

ab Ivor, per scriptum suum fccerunt 

Abbati et Coniientui loci predicti 

in puram et perpetuam elemosinam, 
de omnibus donacionibus parentum 
suorum eisdem Abbati et Comientui 
factis in terra nominata Mays y 
Gyghellaur cum neniure sibi adia- 
cente et cum finibus in cartis ipsorum 
heredum contentis. Ratas hab^ntes 
et gratas eas pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris quantum in nobis est dilectis 
nobis in Christo nunc Abbati et 
Conuentui loci predicti et successori- 
bus suis, Cbncedimus et confirmamus 
sicut carte et scriptum predicta ra- 
tionabiliter testantar, et prout ijdem 
Abbas et Conuentus terras, tene- 
menta, ecclesias et capellas predicta 
modo tenent, et ipsi et predecessor es 
sui predicti ea hactenus ration abiliter 
tenuerunt. lure nostro semper salvo. 
In Cuius, &c. Teste Rege apud 
Guldeford xx die Novembris. 
Per finem quadraginta solidorum. 



geneu Sais,* to wit, Ivor ab Gwrgeneu 
and Madawg Vychan, his nephew; 
and the nephews of the same 
Madawg, to wit, the sons of Traharn 
and Howel, sons of Madawg ab 
Ivor, by their writing made in pure 
and perpetual alms to the Abbot 
and Convent of the aforesaid place, 
of all the gifts of their parents to 
the same Abbot and Convent made 
iof the land called "The Chancellor's 
Field,*'* with the wood adjacent, and 
with the bounds in the Charters of 
I the same heirs contained. Having 
ratified and confirmed for Us and 
Our Heirs, as much as in Us is, 
to Our beloved in Christ the now 
Abbot and Convent of the aforesaid 
place, and their successors. Do grant 
and confirm as the Charters and 
writing aforesaid reasonably witness, 
and as the same Abbot and Con- 
vent, the lands, tenements. Churches, 
and chapels aforesaid now hold, and 
they and their predecessors have the 
same hitherto reasonably held. Our 
right always being saved. In Wit- 
ness, &c. Witness the King at 
Guildford the 20th day of November. 
For a fine of forty shillings. 



* SaiB^^Englishtnan, By the expression Gwrgeneu Sais, is meant — Gwrgeneu, who 
had been in England, and acquired such a knowledge of English as to be able to con- 
verse fluently in it. 

* Already noticed. 



73 



CHARTEE ROLL. 16th KING JOHN, A.D. 1214. 1st PART. 

MEM. 3. 



Johann^g, Dei gratia, etc.*. No- 
verit vniversitas vestra nos intuitu 
Dei, & pro salute anime nostre, & 
antecessorum & successorum nostro- 
rum, confirmasse Deo & Ecclesie 
beate Marie de Alba Landa, & 
Monaehis Cystersiensis ordinis ibi- 
dem, Deo servientibus, terram in 
qua Abbacia de Alba Landa sita 
est, quam habent de dono Johannis 
de Thorynton, & terram quam voca- 
tur Hentywin, & Tresgrigh, et 
Eskeyrevell, et Keuen Kenvargan, 
et Fonenon-uayr, et KylgT. man, et 

Trefhowystell, et Synod et Onnen 
et (?) Keredic, et totam silvam de 
Gardif, et terram Brinnaltudyon, et 
Kyldugeyn, de dono eiusdem Jo- 
hannis. 



j0lin, by the grace of God, etc». 

Let all know that We by the in- 
spiration of God, and for the safety 
of Our soul, and the souls of Our 
ancestors & successors, have con- 
firmed to God, and to the Church 
of the Blessed Me,ry of Whitland,* 
and to the Monks there, of the 
Cistercian Order,* the servants of 
God, the land in which Whitland 
Abbey is situate, which they hold 
of the gift of John de Thornton, 
and the land which is called Hen- 
Dy-Gwyn, and Tres-grug, and Es- 
gair-Evel, and Cefn-Cynvarchen,* 
and Ffynnon-Vair,* and Cilgryman,® 
and Tref-howystell, and Sinod,* and 
Onnen ^ in Cardiganshire, and all 
Gardif* wood, and the land Bryn 
Alltudion, and Cil-Dy-Gwyn of the 
gift of the same John. 



* Whitland (in Welah. Hen Dy Gwyn) is situate in Llangan parish, Carmarthen- 
shire. So early at least as the 5th century, a religious community was situate here, 
and about A.D. 480, Paulinus (Paul Hen) greatly enlarged the institution, of which 
he was elected the first abbot. St. David and St. Teilo studied under him. A MS. 
in the Cottonian Collection (Domitian A. 1) states, sub anno 1144, "that some pil- 
grims from Dyved and Ceredigion were drowned. They had as guide a monk of 
the Cistercian order, which order was a little time previously located at Alba Landa 
in West Wales by Bernard, bishop of Saint David's, who gave them a place near 
Trefgam in Deuglethef." Prince Rhys ab Griffith largely endowed the Abbey with 
lands as is shewn in this charter. 

* The Cistercian Monks first .assembled in 1097 at a place called Citeaux, or Cis- 
tercium, whence they derived their name. Harding, an Englishman, is said to have 
been their leader. They were also termed Bemardines, from St. Bernard, whom 
they admitted to the order. In 1128 they were brought to England by William 
Giffard, bishop of Winchester, and they settled at Waverley Abbey in Surrey. They 
habited themselves in a white robe like a cassock, a black scapulary, a hood, and a 
woollen girdle. They debarred themselves the use of eggs, fish, cheese, and milk, 
neither did they eat flesh except in sickness. The order became so powerful, that 
its members virtually governed nearly all Europe, both spiritually and temporally. 

* Cefn Cynvarchen is supposed to be identical with Cefn Varchen, a farm (in 
Henllan Amgoed) 3m. W. of the Abbey. It was here that Prince Llewelyn ab lor- 
werth was encamped in 1219, and where he refused to make a treaty of peace with 
the Flemings of Pembrokeshire. 

* Ffynnon Vait is also written Ffynnon Oer (Fons frigidus). The former means 
St Mary's Well; the latter '^Cold Well." A place of this name is 2 m. S. of Capel 
Colman, and one of that, ^ m. W. of Maenclochog. 

* Cilgryman, the concave shelter. This farm and its mill are 2| m. N.E. of Llan- 
boidy. 

® Sinod, so called from an ecclesiastical conference having been held there, is 
situate about 4 m. S. of New Quay, on the Cardiganshire coast. The old laud ia 
now subdivided into three farms. 

' Onnen is also a farm in Cardiganshire, probably situate in Llandyssilio-Gogo. 

* Cardif. A place called Cardeeth is situate f m. E, of Carew Castle. 

10 



74 



Et terrain de Trefgrinn, et terram 
Godcelini Militis, quas habent de 
dono eiusdem Johannis, et Howel 
Says, quas omnes predictas terras 
Kesus filius Grifl&ni, quantum ad 
eum pertinuit, tempore suo eis dedit, 
et carta sua confirmavit. 

Confirmamus eciam eis alias terras 
quas idem Eesus eis dedit, et carta 
sua confirmavit, scilicet : — terram de 
Oysterlayth, et Lanuyhangell, et 
Penfos, et Keuentlengath, et Blan- 
wytheno, et Kilvargeyn, et Penvey, 
et Ridemangwyn, et Keuen-er-drun, 
et partem filii Mareduc de Kylredin, 
scilicet,— Rosleverith, et Broncled, 
et Nant Genevrich, et Maynoryoreen, 
et Esker kayr, et Maynar Cmchvyl, et 
Rudelan, et Dynewyn, et Craic Cryr, 



And the land of Trefgrin, and 
the land of Godcelin the knight, 
which they have of the gift of the 
same John and Howel Sais,^ all 
which aforesaid lands, Rhys ab 
Griffith,' as much as belonged to 
him, to them gave in his time and 
confirmed by his charter. 

We also confirm to them all the 
lands which the same Rhys gave 
to them, and by his charter con- 
firmed, to wit, — the land of Oyster- 
laith,* and Llanvihangel,* and Penffos, 
and Cefnllengath,® and Blaengwyth- 
no,® and Cilvargen, and Penvey, 
and Rhydymaengwyn,' and Cefh 
Drum,* and the portion of Meredith 
of Kilrhedyn's son, to wit, — Rhos- 
llefrith,* and Bronclyd," and Nant 
Gynfrig, and Manorvorion," and 
Esgair-Gaer, and Maenor Grug- 
Whyl," and Rhyddlan," and Dy- 



* Howel Sais was a younger son of Prince Rees ab Griffith. He was called Sals, 
or the Englishman, because he had served in England. In 1193 he captured Gwys 
Castle in Pembrokeshire, destroyed that of Llandovery, and demolished Llanhaden 
town. After other warlike exploits he visited King John's Court in Easter, 1199; 
and on his return died at Chepstow, or," as others affirm, was killed by the Normans 
there. He is said to have excelled all the other Welsh chiefs in generosity. 

.2 Rhys ab Griffith, prince of South Wales from 1136 till 4th May, 1196. Previously 
annotated in Talley charter. 

* Oysterlaith (or, as in the Myvyrian Archceology, Escyrlwyv) was a farm in a com- 
mot of the same name in the hundred of Arberth. 

"* Llanfihangel Abercowin is a farm in a small parish of the same name, some 
9 m. S.W. from Carmarthen. 

* ** Cefn-llengath " is written " Cefn-llech-elgan " in Henry VI.'s confirmation of 
this charter. 

® Blaengwyddno, a grange 2 m. S. of Lampeter Velvrey in co. Pemb. 

' Rhyd y Maengwyn is a farm 9 m. N. of the Abbey. 

® Cevn y Drum Q*the summit of the mountain ridge") was the ancient name for 
what is now termed " Forest," near Cilgerran. It was a lordship. and manor. About 
the middle of the 16th century Dr. Thomas Phayer was located there. He wrote an 
English versification of Virgil's -^neid. He married Ann, d. of Thomas Waiters, 
mayor of Caermarthen in 1543. Dr. Phayer died at Cilgerran in 1660. " Forest " is 
J m. N. of Cilgerran. 

^ Rhos-llefrith, literally "The sweet milk meadow*'' A Pistyll-Uefrith is within 3 
m. N. of the Abbey. 

*® Bronclyd=" the warm knoll,** appears to be the one § m. W. of Brongwyn Church 
in Llandugwydd, near Newcastle in Emlyn. 

*' Manor Vorion appears to be situate somewhere about 3 m. W. of Marros, and 
about 6 miles S.W. of the Abbey. Two places are there called Cryg y Borion, the 
greater and less. 

^'^ Manor Crug Whyl. A place of this name is situate in Llanwenog parish, 2 m. 
S.W. from Llanybydder, co. Carmarthen. There was an ancient chapel in this place 
called Capel Whyl. 

*^ Rhyddlan grange and mill appear to be 3J m. W. of Llanybydder. In the Valor 
Ecclesiasticus this place is described a& near the river Teivi. 



75 



et Kumkeltlybroc, et Crugge-gwal- 
lem, et Caprisciim, et Nant Arren, 
et Dadenath Chorannimus, et Byland- 
bedewe, et Bland- Seyth, et Eskyr 
Seith, et unam carrucatam terre de 
Porth-began, quas omnes predictas 
terras idem Eesus eis dedit, et carta 
sua confirmavit quantum in eo fuit, 
tempore suo. 

Confirmamus eciam eis LX acras 
terre, quas habent de dono Yorevorth 
filii Yorevorth, et de dono Maylgun 
filii Resi, terram de Peynluin er 

Ebaul, et Katbanen. 

Quare volumus et firmiter precipi- 
mus, etc*. 

Testibus, Dominis P. Wintoniensi ; 
E. Herefordiensi ; J. Bathoniensi et 
Glastoniensi, Episcopis. W. Marisc. 
Comite Pembrochie. W. Comite 



newyn,* and Craig Cryr, * and 
Cwmcelli-brog,' and Crug-Gwallem, 
and Capriscwm,* and Nant Aren, 
and Dadenath Chorannimus, and 
Blaen-bedw,* and Blaen Seith,® and 
Esgair Seith,* and a Plough-land 
at Porth-bychan, all aforesaid lands 
the same Ehys gave to them, and 
confirmed by his charter as much 
as in him was in his time. 

We confirm also to them 60 acres 
of land which they have of the gift 
of lorwerth ab lorwerth, and of the 
gift of Maelgwyn' ab Rhys, the 
land of Penllwyn-yr-Ebol * and 
Cathanen. 

Wherefore we will and firmly 
command, etc. 

Witness, the Lords P.* of '\Vin- 
chester; E.*® of Hereford, J." of 
Bath and Glastonbury, Bishops. 
W. Marshal,** Earl of Pembroke. 



* Dynewyn (? Ty'nywaun) is written Thimewe in Pope Nicholas's "Taxatio," 129J ; 
Dinowyn in Henry VI.'s charter, and in "Valor Eccles." Tire Newith. 

^ Craig CryT=:the Heron's Rock, is in "Valor" described as ** Craig Eri/th"=:the 
Eaglets Rock. There is a Craig Eryr (or Erydd, being synonymous) on the right 
bank of the river Clettwr Vawr in Cardiganshire, some 6 m. N. of Llandyssil. 

* Cwm-ceUi-brog:=<Ac embowed hazel-dell. 

* Capriscwm = Me bushy- dingle field. 

' Blaenbedw=Me Birch- summit, is in Llandissilio Gogof, and is 4 m. S. of the 
parish Church. The Abbey had ^ part of the Gogof Chapel. 

* Blaen Seith and Esgair Seith or Saeth appear to be two places in Penbryn, 
situate 2 m. S.E. from Aberporth. 

' Maelgwyn was a son of the Prince Rhys, a donor in this charter. This young 
man is described as "fair and comely in person, honest and just, beloved of his 
friends, and feared by his foes." However this might be, his father, the prince, 
captured him in 1189,. and imprisoned him in Dynevor Castle. The cause of the 
rupture is not given. In the course of a few months his brother Griffith took him 
from that castle and gave him into William de Breos's custody. After a long and 
stormy life, during which he generally took part against the Southwalians, he died 
in 1230. 

* Penllwyn-yr-Ebol is 2J m. N.W. of Cilymaenllwyd Church in co. Pemb. 

* Peter de Roches, previously annotated. 

, *<> Egidius, otherwise " Giles " de Braos, was second son of William de Braos, and 
his wife the celebrated Maud de Haya or " de St. Waleric." Giles was bishop of 
Hereford from 1200 till 1215. In 1214 he obtained possession of six castles in 
Breconshire, &c.,- being his patrimony. He died at Gloucester 17th Nov., 1215, and 
gave his estates to his brother Reginald. 

" Joceline, canon of Wells, was elected to the bishopric of Bath, &c., in 1205. He 
died in 1241. 

" William Mareschal, earl of Pembroke (heir to his brother John), was son of 
John, and grandson of Gilbert MareschaJ, and marrying Isabel, daughter and heiress 
of Richard, earl of Strigule (Chepstow), obtained with her this earldom. He was 
made (15th John) governor of the Castles of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Gower. He 
was governor of the realm and of young Henry III. This great earl died in 1219, 
and on the 15th of April was buried in the New Temple, London. 



76 
Arundell. S. Comite Wintonie. W.> Earl of Arundel. S.» Earl of 



Willielmo Brewerra. Hugone de 
Neville. P.f. Herberte. Roberto de 
Eos. 

Datum per manum Magistri Ri- 

cardi de Marisc, Cancellarii nostri 

apud .Wygorniam xxvij ?. die Decem- 

bris, Anno regni nostri xvj 9. . 



Winchester. William Brewerra.* 
Hugh de Neyille.* Peter Pitz-Her- 
bert.* Robert de Ros." 

Given by the hand of Master 
Richard de Marisco/ Our Chancellor, 
at Worcester, the 27th day of De- 
cember, in the 16th year of Our 
reign. 



' William d'Albini was son of William, earl of Chichester, Arundel, and Sussex, 
by Queen Adeliza, widow of Henry I. He took the king's part at Runnymead, but 
afterwards made oath to obey the barons, and to assist in compelling King John 
to observe the Magna Charta. On his return from the famous siege of Damietta in 
Egypt, he died A.D. 1222, and his body was brought to England by Thomas, a 
St. Alban's Monk, and buried in Wymondham Abbey. 

2 Saer de Quincy, earl of Winchester, so created in 1206 He took the barons' 
part at Runnymead ; and even after the king's death continued in arms on behalf of 
young Louis (the Lion) of France, until he was taken prisoner in Lincoln battle, 
1217, May 20. In the October following, on his submission, his lands were fully 
restored to him. By his wife, the Countess Maud de St. Liz, sister and coheiress of 
Robert Fitz Pamell, earl of Leicester, he left issue, three sons and a daughter. He 
died in 1219 on his journey to Jerusalem. 

3 William Briwere, son of Henry Briwere, was a man highly trusted by the Kings 
Henry II., Richard, John, and Henry III., and at various times had held the 
Shrievalty of no fewer than 12 counties. He married Beatrix de Valle, a concubine 
to Reginald, earl of Corriwall, by whom he left one surviving son and five daughters. 
He died in 1226-7, and was buried in front of the high altar in Dunkeswell Cis- 
tercian Abbey, in co. Devon, which he had founded in 1201. 

* Hugh or Hugo de Neville, surnamed " le Gros," was one of King John's " Evil 
Councillors." He also was present at Runnymead, ex parte Regis; but in 1216 
deserted the king, paid homage to the French Prince Louis, and surrendered Marl- 
borough Castle to him. He married Desiderata, daughter and heiress of Stephen 
de Camera, and died in 1221-2. His body was buried in Waltham Abbey Church, 
Essex. 

* Peter was son of Herbert Fitzherbert, Lord Chamberlain to King Stephen, by 
Lucy, third dau. of Milo, earl of Hereford. Peter was a minion of King John's, and 
another " Evil Councillor." He married firstly Alice, d. of Roger Fitz- Roger, a North- 
umbrian Baron ; secondly, Isabel, widow of Roger de Mortimer, and d. of William 
de Braos, lord of Brecon, by the latter of whom he had three sons. He died in 
1234-5. He was the progenitor of the Herberts, earls of Pembroke, of the first and 
second creation. 

* Robert de Ros of Hamlake, now called Helmesley upon the Black Moor, near 
York, was eldest son of Everard of Ros, or Rooss in Holderness, co. York, by his 
wife Rose, d. of William Trussbut of Wartre in Holderness. He was born in 1162, 
On some account or other King Richard hated him, but he obtained favour in King 
John's sight for a time, when he was deprived of his lands. He re-obtained them, 
however, and he was one of the few who adhered to the king in 1214. Nevertheless, 
in 1215 he was with the first to compel John to sign the charters, and undertook 
with others to make him observe them. He died in 1226-7, and was buried in the 
Temple Church, London. He left two sons by his wife Isabel, dau. of King WiUiam 
the Lion of Scotland. 

' Richard de Marisco was archdeacon of Northumberland. Made Lord Chancellor, 
in 1202, which office he held for 2 years. In 1212 he accepted the same office but 
resigned the seals to the king, Oct. 19th, 1215. Made Dean of Salisbury, and in 
1217 raised to the bishopric of Durham. From 1223 to 1226 became Lord Chancellor 
the third time, when he died. Stowe says, the bishop "like an old persecuter of 
religious persons, for the maintenance of his most filthy quarrell he picked against 
them, came with a great rowt of men of law towards London, and lodged in the 
Abbey of Peterborough ; after he had daintily refreshed himself with costly meates, 
he went to bed in he^th, but was found dead on the next morning. He was buried 
at Durham, when he had sate Bishop nine yeares." 



77 



PATENT KOLL. 25th HENRY VL, A.D. 1447. PART. 2. 

MEM. 28. 



•Pro Abbate et^ 
Conventu de > 5I C X omnibus ad 
Alba Landa. J quos, &c., Salutem. 
Constat nobis per inspeccionem rotu- 
lorum Cancellarie Domini Ricardi, 
nuper Regis Anglie secundi post Con- 
questum, progenitori nostri, quod 
idem progenitor noster litteras suas 
patentes fieri fecit in hec verba: — 
Ricardus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie & 
Ffrancie, & Dominus Hibernie. Om- 
nibus ad quos presentes littere perue- 
nerint, Salutem. Inspeximus Cartam 
Domini Edwardi quondam Regis 
Anglie, progenitoris nostri, factam in 
hec verba : Edwardus, Dei gratia, Rex 
Anglie, Dominus Hibernie, et Dux 

Aquitanie, Arcbiepiscopis, Episcopis, 
Abbatibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, 

Baronibus, Justiciis, Vice-comitibus, 
Prepositis, Ministris, et omnibus 
Balliuis et fidelibus suis, Salutem. 
Inspeximus Cartam, quam Celebris 
memorie Dominus Johannes quon- 
dam Rex Anglie, proauus noster, 
fecit Deo et Ecclesie beate Marie 
de Alba Landa, et Monachis Cis- 
terciencis ordinis ibidem, Deo serui- 
entibus, in hec verba: Johannes, 
Dei gratia, Rex Anglie, Dominus Hi- 
bernie, Dux Normannie, Aquitannie, 
et Comes Andegavie, Archiepiscp- 
pis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Comitibus, 
Prepositis, et omnibus Ballivis, et 
fidelibus suis, Salutem. Nouerit 
vniuersitas vestra nos intuitu Dei, 
et pro salute anime nostre et ante- 
cessorum et successorum nostrorum, 
confirmasse Deo et ecclesie Beate 
Marie de Alba Landa, et monachis 



For the Abbot^ 

and Convent of V ^Jxj^ ^\XiQ to all to 
Whitland. J ^hom, &c.. Greet- 
ing. It appears to Us by the in- 
spection of the Chancery Rolls of 
the second Lord Richard after the 
Conquest, late King of England, 
Our progenitor, that the same Our 
progenitor caused certain letters pa- 
tent to be made in these words : — 
Richard, by the grace of God, King 
of England and France, and Lord 
of Ireland. To all to whom these 
present letters shall come, Greeting. 
We have examined the Charter of 
the Lord Edward,* formerly King 
of England, Our progenitor, made 
in these words : — Edward, by the 
grace of God, King of England, 
Lord of Ireland, and Duke of 
Aquicain, To the Archbishops, 
Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Earls, 
Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, 
Ministers, and to all Bailiffs and 
his faithful people. Greeting: We 
have examined the Charter which 
the Lord John of glorious memory, 
formerly King of England, Our 
great grandsire, made to God, and 
the Church of the Blessed Mary 
of Whitland, and the Monks of the 
Cistercian Order there serving God, 
in these words : John,, by the grace 
of God, King of England, Lord of 
Ireland, Duke of Normandy, and 
Count of Anjou, To the Archbishops, 
Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons, 
Justiciars, Sheriffs, Reeves, and to 
all Bailiffs, and his faithful people, 
Greeting. Know ye all, that We 
by the inspiration of God, and foF 
the health of Our soul, and the 
souls of Our ancestors and succes- 
sors, have confirmed to God and 
the Church of the Blessed Mary 



* Edward II. 



78 



Cisterciensis ordinis ibidem, Deo 
servientibus, terrain in qua Abbacia 
de Alba Landa sita est, quam habent 
de dono Johannis de Toryton, et 
terram que vocatur Hentiwin et Tref- 
grigh, et Eskeyrevell, et Keuen 
Kennarghan et Ffennonnoyr, et 
Kylgrumman et Trefbowistell, et 
Sinod et Onnen Keredic, et totam 
siluam de Gartheif, et terram Brenn 
Alltudion, et Kidlidugeyn, et terram 
de Tresgun de dono eiusdem Jo- 
hannis de Toryton, et terram 
Godscelini Militis, quam habent de 
dono Howell Seys, quas omnes 
predictas terras Resus filius Griffini 
quantum ad eum pertinuit tempore 
quo potuit, eis dedit, et Carta sua 
confirmauit. 

Confirmauimus eciam eis alias 

terras quas idem Resus eis dedit, 
et Carta sua confirmauit, scilicet, 
terram de Oysterloyth, et Lam- 
myhangell, et Penfos, et Keuen. 
tleghelgan, et Blanwytheno, et 
Kiluargeyn, et Penuey, et Rede- 
mayngwyn et Keuendrim, et partem 

filiorum Mareduc de Kilredyn, sci- 
licet, Roseleuerith, et Broncled, et 
Nant Kenewric, et Maynoruoreon, et 
Eskerkair, et Maynar Cruc Whil 
et Ruthelan et Dinowyn et Cruch 
Grir et Cumketli Brogh, et Cruge 
Wathlan, et Catprisc, et Nant Car- 
ren, et Dadbath Corannus, et Blaind- 
bedewe, et Blain Seith, et Ekeir 
Seith, et ynam carucatam terre de 
Porth Begham, quas omnes predictas 
terras idem Resus eis dedit, et 
Carta sua confirmauit, quantum in 
eo fuit. Confirmavimus eciam eis 
sexaginta acras terre, quas habent 
de dono Ricardi filii Kenwric, et 
Kedivor filii Roberti, et fratrum 
suorum ; et viginti et quatuor acras 
terre, quas habent de dono Yore- 
worth filii Yoreworth, et de dono 
Maylgum filii Resi, terram de Pen- 
loynebaul et Katlanuen. 



of Whitland, and the Monks of the 
Cistercian Order there serving God, 
the land in which Whitland Abbey 
is situate, which they have of the 
gift of John de Toryton, and the 
land which is called Hen Dy Gwyn, 
and Tresgrigh, and Esgair Evell, 
and Cefn Cynvarchan, and Ffynnon 
Oer, and Cilgrymman, and Tref- 
howystell, and Sinod and Onnen 
(in) Cardiganshire, and the whole 
of Gartheif wood, and the land of 
Bryn Alltudion, and Gelly Dy Gwyn, 
and Tresgun, and the land of Sir 
Godcelin, the Knight, which they 
have of the gift of Howel Sais, 
all which aforesaid lands Rhys ab 
Griffith, as much as to him belonged 
at the time, gave to them, and con- 
firmed by his Charter. 

We have also confirmed to them 
other lands which the same Rhys 
gave to them, and confirmed by his 
Charter, to wit : — ^the land of Oyster- 
layth, and Llanvihangel, and Penffos, 
and Cefn Llechelgain, and Blaen 
Wythno, and Cilvargen, and Pen- 
vey, and Rhydmaengwyn, and Cefn 
Drira, and the portion of the sons 
of Meredydd of Cilrhedin; to wit, 
Rhos Llevrith, and Bronclyd, and 
Nant Cynvrig, and Manor Vorion, 
and Esgair Caer, and Manor Cryg 
Whyl, and Rhuddlan, and Dinowyn, 
and Cryg Grir, and Cwmcelli Brogh, 
and Crug Wallan, and Catprisc, and 
Nant Carren, and Dadbath Corannus, 
and Blaen Bedw, and Blaen Seith, 
and Esgair Seith, and the plough 
land of Porth Bychan, all which 
said lands the same Rhys gave to 
them, and confirmed by his Charter, 
as much as in him lay. We have 
also confirmed to them sixty acres 
of land which they have of the gift 
of Richard ab Cynvrig, and Cadivor 
ab Robert and his brothers ; and 
twenty-four acres of land which they 
have of the gift of lorwerth ab 
lorwerth, and of the gift of Mael- 
gwyn ab Rhys, the land of Pen- 
Uwyn Ebol and Katlenuen. 



79 



Confirmauimus eciam eis vnum 
mesuagium in villa de Haverford, 
quod habent de dono Roberti filii 
Ricardi, et piscariam eiusdem ville 
singulis septimanis, per noctem et 
diem Veneris, quam babent de dono 
eiusdem Roberti. 

Quare volumus et firmiter precipi- 
mus, quod predicti Monachi de Alba 
Landa babeant et teneant omnes pre- 
dictas terras cum omnibus suis perti- 
nenciis imperpetuum, bene et in pace, 
libere et quiete, integre et plenarie, 
cum omnibus libertatibus et liberis 
consnetudinibus ad buiusmodi terras 
pertinentibus, sicut Carte predic- 
torum donatorum rationabiliter tes- 
tantur. 

Testibus, Dominis P. Wintoniensi : 
E. Herefordensi : J. Bathoniensi et 
Glastoniensi, Episcopis. W. Mares- 
call, Comite Pembrockie. W. 
Comite Arundell. S. Comite Wyn- 
tonie. Willielmo Briwerra. Hugone 
de Neuill. Petro filio Hereberti, 
et Roberto de Roos. 

Datum per manum Magistri Ri- 
cardi de Marisco, Cancellarii Nostri, 
apud Wygorniam, vicesimo septimo 
die Decembris, anno regni nostri 
sexto decimo. 

Inspeximus eciam quandam aliam 
Cartam, quam idem proauus noster 
fecit prefatis Monacbis in bee verba : — 

Johannes, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie, 
Dominus Hibemie, Dux Normannie 
et Aquitanie, Comes Andegauie, 
omnibus Ballivis et fidelibus suis 
presentes litteras inspecturis, Salu- 
tem. Sciatis quod suscepimus in 
proteccionem nostram Abbatem de 
Alba Landa et Monacbos ibidem, 
Deo servientes, et omnes res et 
possessiones suas. Et ideo vobis 
mandamus et firmiter precijpimus, 
quod ipsos et omnia sua nianu- 
teneatis et protegatis, nuUam eis 
inferentes vel inferri permittentes 



We have also confirmed to them 
one messuage in the town of Haver- 
ford which they have of the gift of 
Robert ab Richard, and the fishery 
of the same town every week, during 
the night and day of Friday, which 
they have of the gift of the same 
Robert. 

Wherefore We will and firmly 

command that the aforesaid Monks 
of Whitland shall have and hold all 
the aforesaid land with all their 
appurtenances for ever, well and 
peaceably, freely and quietly, wholly 
and fully, with all liberties and free 
customs to such lands -belonging, as 
the Charters of the aforesaid donors 

reasonably witness. 

Witnesses, the Lords P. of Win- 
chester : E. of Hereford : J. of 
Bath and Glastonbury, Bishops. 
W. Mareschal, Earl of Pembroke. 
W., Earl of Arundel. S,, Earl of 
Winchester. William Briwerra. 
Hugh de Neville. Peter, son of 
Herbert, and Robert de Roos. 

Given by the hand of Master 
Richard de Marisco, Our Chancellor, 
at Worcester, the twenty-seventh 
day of December, in the sixteenth 
year of Our Reign (A.D. 1214). 

We have examined also a certain 
other Charter which the same Our 
great grandsire made to the afore- 
said Monks in these words : — 

John, by the grace of God, King 
of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke 
of Normandy and Aquitaine, and 
Count of Anjou, To all his Bailiffs 
and faithful people, by whom these 
present letters shall be seen. Greet- 
ing, Know ye that we have taken 
under Our protection the Abbot of 
Whitland and the Monks there 
serving God, and all their effects ' 
and possessions. And therefore We 
direct and firmly command you that 
you maintain and protect them and 
all theirs, not doing or permitting 
to be done any injury, molestation, 
or grievance, and if in anywise 



80 



ininriam, molestiam, ant granamen, 
et si in aliquo eis forisfactuni fuerit, 
id sine dilatione eis emqndari facialis. 

CoBcessimus eciam eis quod quieti 
sint per omnes terras nostras, illi 
et hominis sui, de theolonio, et omni 
alia tonsuetudini ad nos pertinente, 
de omnibus rebus quas ad opus suum 
proprium vel hominum suorum 
emerint, vel de suo proprio yendi- 
derint. Ita quod per illos vel suos, 
quantum in eis est, nichil ; de : hiis 
que emerint vel vendiderint perueniet 
ad manus inimicorum nostrorum. 
Et probibemus, super forisfacturum 
nostram decem librarum ne quis eos 
super hoc impediat, vel impedire 
presumat. Volumus eciam et pro- 
bibemus ne implacitentur de aliquo 
tenemento suo nisi coram nobis vel 
capitali Justicio nostro. Et in buius 
rei testimonium has litteras nostras 
patentes eis fieri fecimus. 

Teste meipso apud Wigomiam 

vicesimo septimo die Decembris anno 
pegni nostri sexto decimo. 

Nos autem, confirmaciones et con- 
cessionem predictas ratas habentes 
et gratas eas, pro nobis et heredibus, 
nostris quantuijn in nobis est, con- 
cedimus et confirmamus sicut Carte 
predicte rationabilitertestantur. Hiis 
testibus, venerabilibus patribus, W. 
Cantuariensi, Archiepiscopo tocius 
Anglie, primate; J. Norwicensi et 
J. Karliolensi, Episcopis. Thoma 
Comite Lancastrie ; Johanne de Bri- 



forfeiture shall be done to them, the 
same without delay you cause to be 
made right to them. 

We have also granted to them 
that they and their men shall be 
quit throughout Our land, of toll, 
and all other customs to Us belong- 
ing, for all things which for their 
own use, or for that of their men 
they may buy, or which they may 
sell of their own. So that by them- 
selves or theirs, as much as in them 
is, nothing of that which they may 
buy or sell shall come to the hands 
of our enemies. And we prohibit, 
upon forfeiture to Us of Ten Pounds, 
that any one obstruct or presume 
to obstruct them. We also will and 
command that they be not impleaded 
for any tenement except before Us 
or Our Chief Justice. And in wit- 
ness hereof We have caused these 
Our Letters to be made patent. 

Witness Ours elf at Worcester, 
the twenty-seventh day of December, 
in the sixteenth year of Our reign 
(A.D. 1214). 

We truly the confirmations and 
grant aforesaid having confirmed 
and ratified, and for Us and Our 
heirs, as much as in Us lies, do 
grant and confirm them as the 
Charters aforesaid reasonably wit- 
ness. These being witnesses : — The 
Venerable Fathers, W., Archbishop 
of Canterbury, Primate of All 
England. J. of Norwich* and J. 
of Carlisle,* Bishops. . Thomas, Earl 
of Lancaster:' John de Britannia, 



» John Salmon, Prior of Ely Benedictine Abbey, was raised to the Bishopric of 
Norwich and the Lord Chancellorship of England in 1299. He held the latter until 
1302, and the see until apparently 1324,5. 

2 John de Halton (a township in Northumberland) was Canon of Carlisle, when 
he was in 1292 promoted to the dignity ef Bishop of Carlisle. In 1324 his sutjcessor 
was appointed. 

* Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, was eldest son of Edmund (2nd son of Henry 
III.) by his second wife Blanche, d. of Robert, Earl of Artois (3rd son of Louis VIIL 
of France). Thomas, through his wife Alice, d. and h. of Henry de Lacy, acquired 
the earldom of Lincoln. He was one of the chiefs that caused Piers de Gaveston 
to be executed " by the hand of a Welshman," and he thereby incurred the hatred 
of the king, Edward II., who nevertheless soon provided for himself a frfesh favourite, 
Hugh de Despenser. In 1321, a great dispute among some nobles arose for the 
possession of Gower, then a portion of the county of Carmarthen. Hugh stepped in 
and entered into possession of the land. The discontented nobles took up arms, and 



81 



tann', Comite Richemundie. Hum- 
frido de Bohoun, Comite Herefordie 
et Essexie; Johanne de Segraue; 
Johanne de Crumwell, Senescallo 
hospicii ndstri, et aliis. Datum per 
manum nostram apud Lincolniam 
primo die Septembris, anno regni 
nostri none. 

Nos autem, litteras predictas et 
omnia in eis contenta, rata habentes 
et grata ea pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, quantum in nobis est^ ac- 
ceptamus, approbamus, ac dilectis 
nobis in Christo nunc Abbati et 
Conuentui loci predicti, et successori- 
bus suis concedimus et confirmamus, 
sicut Carte predicte rationabiliter 
testantur, et prout ijdem Abbas et 
Conventus et predecessores sui terras 
et tenementa predicta hactenus ra- 
tionabiliter habuerunt et tenuerunt, 



Earl of Richmond. Humphrey de 
Bohun,* Earl of Hereford and Es- 
sex. John de Segrave.* John de 
Crumwell ,• Steward of Our House- 
hold, and others. Given by Our 
hand at Lincoln, the first day of 
September, in the ninth year of Our 
reign. [A.D. 1315.] 

We truly, the letters aforesaid, 
and all things in them . contained, 
having confirmed and ratified, for 
Us and Our Heirs, as much as in 
Us lies, do accept and approve, and 
do grant and confirm to Our beloved 
in Christ, the now Abbot and Con- 
vent of the aforesaid place, and 
their successors, as the Charters 
aforesaid reasonably witness, and as 
the same Abbot and Convent and 
their predecessors have hitherto 
reasonably had and held and were 
accustomed to use and enjoy the 
aforesaid lands and tenements, and 



the battle of Boronghbridge was fonght, in which the leader, Thomas of Lancaster, 
was taken prisoner and beheaded, after an nnfair trial on Monday, the 23rd of 
March, 1322. His brother Henry became his heir. His widow Alice married 
Enbnlo le Strange, with whom it was asserted that she had been familiar, and in 
consequence thereof had been repudiated by the earl. 

* Humphrey de Bohun (the consecutive eighth of the name) was eldest son of 
Humphrey, Earl of Hereford and Essex and constable of England, by Maud, d. of 
William de Ficnles. (See note, Inquisitions, Edward L, 1275.) He took part with 
Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, to restrain Edward II.*s folly, and to recover the liberties 
of the people. In 1314 he was captured after Bannockbum battle, in Bothwell Castle, 
whither he had retreated ; and to recover this powerful baron, the English were fain 
to give up Robert Brace's wife, sister, and daughter, together with Wisheart, Bishop 
of Glasgow, and the young Earl of Mar. TMs earl having joined Lancaster (see 
last note) also fought at Boronghbridge, and a Welshman, who was underneath 
seeing him crossing, thrust a spear upwards and slew the earl, 16th March, 1322. 
He was buried in the Friary, York. By his wife Elizabeth, widow of John, Earl of 
Holland, and d. of Edward I., he had issue 6 sons and 4 daughters. 

* John Lord Segrave, born in 1266, son of Nicholas Segrave, Lord of Segrave, in 
CO. Leicester, was a bold and active baron. He fought in the Scottish wars under 
Edward 1. ; was present at Caerlaverock seige, and then made Lieutenant of Scot- 
land. He was one that brought William Wallace to Westminster Hall to be con- 
demned ; was captured at the battle of Bannockburn, and in a twelvemonth's time 
exchanged for a number of Scots. He fell under the displeasure of Edward II. in 
con&equence of the escape of Roger Mortimer from the tower, and as a punishment 
was sent to Gascony, where he died in 1324,5. By his wife Christiana, d. of Sir 
Hugh de Plessets, knt., whom he married in 1270, he had issue Stephen (who died 
v.p.) who left as heir his son John. 

* John de Cromwell, son of Ralph Cromwell, filled many offices ; viz.. Governor of 
Chepstow Castle, Constable of the Tower, Warden of the King's Forests, north of 
Trent. He also fought in the Scottish wars. He was the only baron that accom- 
panied Queen Isabel to France, whence she refused to return at her husband's desire. 
Upon the deposition of Edward II. this John was immediately appointed Constable 
of the Tower. By his wife Idonea of Leyburn, younger d. and coh. of Robert de 
Vipont, the hereditary sheriff of Westmoreland, he left issue Ralph his heir. 

11 



82 



libertatibuB et quietanciis predictis 
vti et gaudere consueuerunt. In 
cujus rei testimonium has litter as 
nostras fieri fecimus patentes. Teste 
meipso apud Harefcrdiam decimo 
nono die Maij, anno regni nostri 
vicesimo secundo. 

Nos autem pro eo quod littere 

predicte casualiter sunt amisse, sicut 

Hugo Water, Gentilman, coram 

nobis in Cancellaria nostra sacramen- 

tum prestitit corporale, et quod nunc 

Abbas loci predicti litteras predictas 

si eas imposterum inueiiire con- 
tigerint nobis in dictam Cancellariam 
nostram restituet cancellandas teno- 
rem irrotulamenti earumdem lit- 
terarum tenore presencium duximus 
exemplificandi. In Cujus, etc?* T. 
R. apud Westmonasterium xij die 
Maij. 



the liberties and quittances aforesaid- 
In Witness whereof We have caused 
these Our letters to be made patent. 
Witness Ourself at Hereford, the 
nineteenth day of May, it. the 
twenty-second year of Our reign. 
[A.D. 1399.] 

We truly for that the aforesaid 
letters are accidentally lost, as Hugh 
Walter, Gentleman, has taken cor- 
poral oath before Us in Our Chan- 
cery, and that the now Abbot of 
the aforesaid place, will the letters 
aforesaid, if hereafter they shall 
happen to be found, restore to Us 
in Our said Chancery to be can- 
celled, have caused the tenor of the 
enrolment of the same letters to be 
exemplified by the tenor of these 
presents. In Witness, &c. Wit- 
ness the King at Westminster, the 
12th day of May. [A.D. 1447.] 



83 



ROTULI WALLIiE. 15th EDWARD I., A.D. 1287. MEM. 10. 

De transgressionibus ") 
et iniuriis audiendo > ^^X, dilectis 
et terminando. ) et fidelibus 
8uis, Radulpho de Hengham, Jo- 
hanni de Cobeham, et Rogero de 
Burgh uU, Salutem. 

Quia sicut vniuersis et singulis 
de regno nostro de transgressioni- 
bns et iniuriis sibi factis, sic de 
transgressionibus et iniuriis nobis 
factis, plenam iusticiam volumus 
exhiberi, assignauimus vos ad audien- 
dam et videndum, vna cum sectatori- 
bus Comitatus nostri de Kermerdin, 
recordum et processum habitum in 
eodem Comitatu, inter Nos et Resum 
filium Mereduci, de quibusdam trans- 
gressionibus et iniuriis nobis per 
ipsum Resum factis, in partibus illis, 
pro quibus idem Resus positus est 
in exigendis, Tt dicitur, et tarn nobis 
quam prefato Reso, iusticiam inde 
faciendam, prout de iure et secundum 
legem et consuetudinem parcium il- 
larum fuerit faciendam. Et ideo 
vobis mandamus, quod die Jouis 
proximi post festum Sancte Trinitatis, 
proximo futuro, ad Comitatum pre- 
dictum, personaliter accedatis, et 
premissa faciatis, in forma predicta. 
Mandavimus enim sectatoribus pre- 
dictis, quod ad diem predictum, vna 
vobiscum ibidem, ad hoc, diligenter 
intendant. In cuius, &c. Teste, 
Edmundo, Comite Cornubie, Con- 
sanguineo Regis, apud Westmonas- 
terium xxP die Maij. 

* Ralph of Hengham, in Suffolk, was in 1270 appointed a Puisne Justice of the 
King's Bench, in 1274 a P.J. of the Common Pleas. On 23rd June, 1278, Chief 
Justice of the King's Bench, and on 9th Sept, 1301, C.J. of the Common Pleas. 

* John de Cobham waa appointed in 1244 a P.J. of the Common Pleas. In 1276 
a P.J. of the King's Bench, and on 8th June. 1277, Baron of the Exchequer. 

' Rees ab Meredydd has been previously noticed under the grant, dated 1291, of 
Common in his Woods, to Thomas Beck, bp. of St. David's, and the canons of Abergwili. 

* This writ was not issued by K. Edward in person, for on the 24th of June, 1286, 
he sailed to France, whence he returned in August, 1289. Rymer in his Fadera, vol. 
IL, p. 301, says, the king left as Regent, Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke ; and 
the Annates Waverleiensis assert that the Regent was the above Edmund Plantagenet, 
Earl of Cornwall: "Domino Rege in partibus transmarinis sic agente, Dominus 
£dmundu8. Comes Cornubice totius Regni Anglise tenuit gubemacuJa, Domino Rege, 
ante egressum 4 Regno sic volente." 



For the hearing \ <;*'». «c ♦ 
and determining f'^^^ #mjg,tohis 
Trespasses and /"dear and faithful 
Injuries. J Ralph de Heng- 
ham,* John de Cobham,^ and Roger 
de Burghull, Greeting. 

Forasmuch as We wish to provide 
full justice for all and every one 
of Our kingdom, as well for the 
trespasses and injuries done to them, 
as for the trespasses and injuries 
committed against Ourself, We have 
assigned you to hear and view, to- 
gether with the suitors of our County 
of Caermarthen, the Record and 
Process taken in the same County, 
between Us and Rees ab Meredydd,' 
concerning certain trespasses and 
injuries committed by the same Rees 
against us in those parts, for which 
the same Rees is placed in Exigent, 
as it is termed, and thereupon to 
do justice as well to Us as to the 
said Rees, as should be done of 
right and according to the law and 
custom of those parts. And there- 
fore We command you, that on 
Thursday next after the Feast of 
the Holy Trinity, next ensuing, ye 
do, in form aforesaid, personally 
assemble and perform the premisses 
in the aforesaid County. We have 
also commanded the suitors afore- 
said, that they be diligently inten- 
dant there together with you, on the 
aforesaid day, for this purpose. In 
witness, &c. Witness, Edmund,* Earl 
of Cornwall, Cousin of the King, at 
Westminster, the 20th day of May. 



84 



PATENT ROLL. 9th. EDWARD L, A.D. 1280. MEM. 29. 



De Muragio") 

de Kedwely.^ ^^^f Ballivis et pro- 
bis hominibus de Kedwelly, Salutem. 
Sciatis, quod ad instantiam dilecti 
et fidelis nostri, Patricij de Cadurcis, 
Domini yestp, concessimus Tobis 
in auxilimn ville vestre predicte 
claudende^ adsecuritatem et tuicionem 
eiusdem yille et partinm adiacentium, 
quod a festo Natalis Domini, anno 
regni nostri nono, usque ad finem 
quinque annorum proximo sequen- 
cium completorum, capiatis de rebus 
venalibus in villam predictam yenien- 
tibus, consuetudines su'bscriptas, 
videlicet : 

De qualibet carecta cariata panni, 

duos denarios ; 
De quolibet summagio panni, unum 

denarium : 
De quolibet dolio vini, duos de- 
narios : 
De qualibet carecta cariata lane, 

quatuor denarios : 
De quolibet summagio lane, unum 

denarium : 
De qualibet carectata mellis, duos 

denarios : 
De quolibet summagio mellis, 

unum denarium : 
De qualibet carectata ferri, duos 

denarios : 
De quolibet summagio ferri, unum 

denarium : 
De qualibet carectata piscis marini, 

duos denarios : 
De quolibet summagio eiusdem 

piscis, unum obolum : 
De qualibet carectata bladi, unum 

denarium : 
De quolibet summagio bladi, vnum 

obolum : 
De qualibet carectata panis, ynum 

denarium : 
De quolibet summagio panis, ynum 
obolum : 



Concerning^ 

the Murage V# ft ^ JUtlJ, to the 
of Kidwely.j Bailiffs and Good men 
of Kidwely, Greeting. Know ye, 
that at the request of Our dear and 
faithful Patrick de Chaworth, your 
Lord, We have granted to you in 
aid of enclosing your aforesaid Town 
for the security and the defence of 
the same Town and the adjacent 
parts, that from the Feast of the 
Birth of our Lord, in the ninth 
year of our reign, until the end of 
Five years next following and to 
be completed, you may take the 
underwritten customs for saleable 
things coming into your aforesaid 
town, to wit : 

For each cart load of cloth, two 
pence : 

For each horse load of cloth, one 
penny : 

For each pipe of wine, two pence : 

For each cart load of wool, four 

pence : 
For each horse load of wool, one 

.penny : 
For each cart load of honey, two 

pence : 
For each horse load of honey, 

one penny : 
For each cart load of iron, two 

pence : 
For each horse load of iron, one 

penny : 
For each cart load of sea fish, 

two pence : 
For each horse load of the same 

fish, one half penny : 
For each cart load of corn in the 

straw, one penny : 
For each horse load of com in 

the straw, one half penny : 
For each cart load of bread, one 

penny : 
For each horse load of bread, one 

half penny : 



85 



De qualibet carecta cariata coriis 

bouinis vel equorum, duos de- 

narios : 
De quolibet summagio eorumdem 

corrorum, vnum obolum : 
De qualibet carecta sails, unum 

denarium : 
De quolibet summagio sails, ynum 

quadrantem : 
De quolibet summagio pellium 

caprorum, ouium uel agnorum, 

unum denarium : 
De quolibet summagio farine, 

unum obolum : 
De quolibet summagio Wayde (?) 

unum obolum : 
De quolibet summagio pomorum, 

pirorum, uel fructum, unum 

quadrantem. 
De quolibet summagio hominis de 

blado, vnum quadrantem : 
De quolibet equo, uel equa, boue, 

uel Tacca, vnum obolum : 
De decem bidentibus vel ouibus, 

vnum denarium : 
De sex capris, vnum denarium : 
De quatuor porcis, unum dena- 
rium: 
De quolibet summagio linee tele, 

unum denarium : 
De quolibet summagio hominis de 

eadem tela, vnum obolum : 
De quadraginta pelllbus vulpium 

vel squirellorum, vnum dena- 
rium: et 
De viginti pelllbus vulpium uel 

squirellorum, vnum obolum. 
Et ideo vobis mandamus, quod 

a predlcto festo Natalis Domini 

vsque ad finem predictorum quinque 

annorum consuetudines illas capiatis, 

sicut predictum est. Completo autem 

termino illo, consuetudines ille penl- 

tus cessent et deleantur. In cuius, 
etc., per totum tempus predictum 
duraturum. Teste Kege apud Turrim 
Londinensem viij 9. die Decembris. 



For each cart load of ox-, or horse- 
hides, two pence : 

For each horse load of such hides, 

one half penny : 
For each cart load of salt, one 

penny : 
For each horse load of salt, one 

farthing : 
For each horse load of goat-, 

sheep-, or lamb-skins, one penny : 

For each horse load of flour, one 

half penny : 
For each horse load of ... (?) 

one half penny : 
For each horse load of apples, 

pears, or fruit, one farthing : 

For each man-load of corn in the 

straw, one farthing : 
For each horse or mare, ox or 

cow, one half penny : 
For ten old or young sheep, one 

penny : 
For six goats, one penny : 
For four pigs, one penny : 

For each horse load of thread web, 

one penny : 
For each man-load of such web, 

one half penny : 
For forty fox-, or squirrel-skins, 

one penny : and 

For twenty fox-, or squirrel-skins, 
one half penny. 

And therefore we command that 
from the aforesaid feast of the Birth 
of our Lord, until the expiration 
of the aforesaid five years, ye may 
take those customs as is aforesaid. 
But that term being complete, those 
customs shall wholly cease and be an- 
nulled. In witness, &c., to continue 
during the whole time aforesaid. 
Witness the King at the Tower of 
London, the 8th day of December. 



S() 



PATENT ROLL. Ist HEN-RY VL, A.D. 1422. PAR. 3. 

MEM. 21. 



De Confirm atione> 

Kaermerdyn. > 11^^*, omnibus 
ad quos, etc*, Salutem. Inspexi- 
mus cartam Domini Henrici, nuper 
Regis Anglie, patris nostri, factam 
in hec verba: — 

Henricus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie 
et Francie, et Dominus Hibernie, 
Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbati- 
bus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, 
Baronibus, Justiciis, Vice-Comitibus, 
Prepositis, Ministris, et omnibus 
Balliuis et fidelibus suis, Salutem. 
Inspeximus litteras nostras patentes 
dum eramus Princeps, Burgensibus de 
Kaermerdyn, fact as in hec verba : — 

Henricus, filius illustris Regis 
Anglie et Francie, Primogenitus, 
Princeps Wallie, Dux Aquitanie, 
Lancastrie, et Cornubie, Comes 
Cestrie, Omnibus ad quos presentes 
littere peruenerint, Salutem. In- 
speximus litteras patentes metuen- 
dissimi Domini et patris nostri. 
Regis supradicti, factas in hec 
verba : — 

Henricus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie 

et Francie, et Dominus Hibernie, 
omnibus ad quos presentes littere 
peruenerint, Salutem. Inspeximus 
cartam Domini Ricardi, nuper Regis 
Anglie, secundi post conquestum, 
faofcam in hec verba : — 

Ricardus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie 

et Francie, et Dominus Hibernie^ 

Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbati- 

bus, Prioribus, Ducibus, Comitibus, 

Baronibus, Justiciis, Vice-Comitibus, 

Prepositis, Ministris, et omnibus 

Balliuis, et fidelibus suis, Salutem. 
Inspeximus cartam Domini Edwardi, 
nuper Regis Anglie, aui nostri, 
factam in hec verba ; — 

Edwardus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie 



..} 



Confirmation 
for Caermarthen.l ^{jj^ ^IMf *^ 
all to whom, etc*.. Greeting. We 
have examined the charter of the 
Lord Henry, Our father, late King 
of England, made in these words : — 

Henry (5th), King of England 
and France, and Lord of Ireland, 
to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, 
Priors, Dukes, Earls,Barons, Justices, 
Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and to 
all his Bailiffs and faithful subjects, 
Greeting. We have examined our 
letters patent to the Burgesses of 
Caermarthen, made when we were 
Prince, in these words : — 

Henry (5th), Prince of Wales, 
Duke of Aquitaine, Lancaster, and 
Cornwall, Earl of Chester, eldest 
son of the illustrious King of 
England and France, to all to whom 
these present letters shall come, 
Greeting. We have examined the 
letters patent of Our most dread 
Lord and Father, the above named 
King, made in these words : — 

Henry (4th), by the grace of God, 
King of England and France, and 
Lord of Ireland, to all to whom the 
present letters shall come. Greeting. 
We have examined the charter of 
the Lord Richard, late King of 
England, the second after the 
Conquest, made in these words : — 

Richard (2nd), by the grace of 
God, King of England and France, 
and Lord of Ireland, to the Arch- 
bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, 
Dukes, Earls, Barons, Justices, 
Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and to 
all his Bailiffs and faithful Subjects, 
Greeting. We have examined the 
charter of the Lord Edward, Our 
grandfather, late King of England, 
made in these words : — 

Edward (3rd), by the grace of 



87 



et Francie, et Dominus Hibemie, 
Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbati- 
bus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, 
Justiciis, Vice-Comitibus, Prepositis, 
Ministris, et dmnibus Balliuis et 
fidelibus suis, Salutem. Inspeximus 
cartam quam Celebris memorie, 
Dominus Edwardus, nuper Kex 
Anglie, progenitor noster, fecit 
Brfrgensibus de Kaermerdyn, in hec 
verba : — 

Edwardus, Dei Gratia, Kex Anglie, 
Dominus Hibemie, et Dux Aqui- 
tanie, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Ab- 
batibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Bar- 
onibus, Justiciis, Vice-Comitibus, 
Prepositis, Ministris,, et omnibus 
Balliuis, et Fidelibus suis, Salutem. 
Inspeximus cartam quam Celebris 

memorie, Dominus Henricus, quon- 
dam Rex Anglie, auus noster, fecit 
Burgensibus de Kaermerdyn, in hec 
Terba : — 

Henricus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie, 
Dominus Hibemie, Dux Normandie, 
Aquitaine, et Comes Andegavie, 
Justiciis, Vice-Comitibus, et omnibus 
Ministris suis tocius terre sue, 
Salutem. 

Sciatis nos concessisse, pro nobis, 
et heredibus nostris, Burgensibus 
nostris de Kaermerdyn, quod ipsi, 
et eorum heredes imperpetuum sint 
quieti de theolonio, passagio, et 
pontagio, et omnibus consuetudin- 
ibus per totam terram nostram. 
Quare Tolumus et firmiter precip- 
imus, quod predicti Burgenses de 
Kaermerdyn et eorum heredes, im- 
perpetuum sint quieti de theolonio, 
passagio, et pontagio, et omnibus 
consuetudinibus, per totam terram 
nostram, sicut predictum est. Hiis 
testibus : — W. Karliolensi, Episcopo : 
H. de Burgo, Comite Kancie, Jus- 
ticio nostro : Thoma de Muleton : 
Henrico de Braybroc: Radulpho 
filio Nicholai : Godefrido Craucumb : 
Ricardo de Argentem: Henrico de 
Capella, et aliis. Datum per manum 



God, King of England and France, 
and Lord of Ireland, to the Arch- 
bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, 
Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, 
Reeves, Ministers,' and to all his 
Bailiffs and faithful Subjects, Greet- 
ing. We have examined the charter 
which our progenitor of illustrious 
memory, the Lord Edward, late 
King of England, mad^e to the 
Burgesses of Caermarthen, in these 
words : — 

Edward (2nd), by the grace of 
God, King of England, Lord of 
Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, to 
the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, 
Priors, Earls, Barons, Justices, 
Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and to 
all his Bailiffs and faithful Subjects, 
Greeting. We have examined the 
charter, which our grandfather of 
illustrious memory, the Lord Henry, 
formerly King of England, made 
to the Burgesses of Caermarthen, 
in these words : — 

Henry (3rd), by the grace of God, 
King of England, Lord of Ireland, 
Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, 
and Earl of Anjou, to the Justices, 
Sheriffs, and to all his Ministers 
of his whole land. Greeting. 

Know ye that We have, for Our- 
self and Our heirs, granted to Our 
Burgesses of Caermarthen, that they 
and their heirs shall for ever be freed 
from toll, passage, and pontage, and 
all customs throughout Our whole 
land. Wherefore We will and firmly 
command that the aforesaid Bur- 
gesses of Caermarthen and their 
heirs shall for ever be freed from 
toll, passage, and pontage, and all 
customs throughout Our whole land, 
as is aforesaid. These being wit- 
nesses > — William,* Bishop of Car- 
lisle; Hubert de Burgh,* Earl of 
Kent, Our Justiciar; Thomas de 
Multon;* Henry de Braybrooke;* 
Ralph Fitznicholas ; * Godfrey de 
Crawcumbe ; * Richard d' Argentine ; * 
Henry de Capella, and others. 
Given by the hand of the Venerable 



88 



venerabilis patris, Radulphi Cicestrie, 
Episcopi, Cancellarij nostri, apud 
Westmonasterium, yicesimo secundo 
die Julij, anno Regni nostri Tndecimo. 
Inspeximus eciam cartam con- 

firmacionis, quam idem Auus noster 

prefatis Burgensibus fecit, in hec 

verba: — 

Henricus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie 

et l)ominus Hibernie, Dux Norman- 
nie, Aquitanie, et Comes Andegavie 
Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbati. 
bus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, 
Justiciis, Forestariis,Vice-Comitibus, 
Prepositis, Ministris, et omnibus 
Balliuis et fidelibus suis, Salutem. 
Inspeximus cartam, quam Edwardus, 
filius noster primogenitus fecit Bur- 
gensibus de Kaermerdyn in hec 
verba: — 

Edwardus, illustris Henrici Regis 
Anglie primogenitus, omnibus fideli- 
bus suis, hoc presens scriptum visuris 
vel audituris, Salutem. Nouerit 
vniuersitas vestra, nos concessisse^ 
dilectis et fidelibus Burgensibus 
nostris de Kaermerdyn, omnes bonas 
leges et consuetudines, quibus tem- 
pore Johannis Regis, aui nostri, 
et predecessorum suorum, Regum 
Anglie, hactenus vsi sunt et gauisi, 
et communiam suam liberam, in 
planis, et boscis, in aquis, et in 
omnibus aliis aisiamentis obtentis et 
vsitatis. Concessimus eciam predic- 
tis Burgensibus nostris, quod ipsi, 
pro transgressione Seu forisfactura 
seruientum suorum, catalla et bona 
sua in manibus ipsonim inuenta, aut 
alicubi locorum per ipsos seruientes 
infra terra nostram deposita, qua- 
tenus sua esse sufficienter probare 
poterunt non amittant: et quod si 



Father, Ralph,' Bishop of Chichester, 
Our Chancellor, at Westminster, 
the 22nd day of July, in the eleventh 
year of Our reign. [A.D. 1227.] 

We (Edw. 2iid) have also ex- 
amined a charter of confirmation 
which the same Our grandfather 
made to the Burgesses, in these 
words : — 

Henry (3rd), by the guace of God, 
King of England and Lord of 
Ireland, Duke of Normandy and 
Aquitaine, and Earl of AnjOu, to 
the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, 
Priors, Earls, Barons, Justices, 
Foresters, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, 
and to all his Bailiffs and faithful 
Subjects, Greeting. We have ex- 
amined a charter which Edward, 
our first-born son, made to the 
Burgesses of Caermarthen, in these 
words : — 

Edward (1st) eldest son of the 
illustrious Henry, King of England, 
to all his faithful men, by whom this 
present writing shall be seen or 
heard, Greeting. Know ye all, that 
We have granted to our beloved 
and faithful Burgesses' of Caermar- 
then, all the good laws and customs, 
which, from the time of King John, 
our grandfather, and his predecessors, 
Kings of England, they have hither- 
to used and enjoyed ; and their free 
common obtained and used in plains 
and woods, in waters, and in all 
other easements. We have also 
granted to our aforesaid Burgesses, 
that they shall not lose their goods 
and chattels for trespass or forfeiture 
of their servants, found in their 
hands, or de|)osited by the same ser- 
vants anywhere within our dominion, 
so far as they can sufficently prove 
them to be their own. And that if 
the said Burgesses or any of them 
shall die testate or intestate within 
our dominion or power. We nor our 



' Walter Malclerk, Hubert de Burgh, Thomas de Multon, Henry, Lord Braybrooke ; 
Ralph Fitznicholas, Godfrey de Crawcombe, Knt. ; Richard d' Argentine, Henry de 
Capella, and Bishop Ralph de Neville, have been previously noticed. 



89 



dicti Burgenses, aut eorum aliqui, 
infra terram et potestatem nostrani) 
testati decesserint vel intestati, nos 
vel heredes nostri bona ipsorum 
confiscari non faciemus, quin eorum 
heredes integre ipsa habeant, qua- 
tenus dicta catalla dictoram defunc- 
torum fuisse constiterit, dumtamen 
de dictis beredibus noticia aut fides 
habeatur. Item concessimus eisdem 
Burgensibus nostris, quod nullus 
«orum infra potestatem nostram yex- 
etur, pro debito alicuius vicini sui, 
nisi faerit debitor vel plegius, et 
quamyis plegius alicuius, non cogatur 
soluere, dum debitor habeat unde 
soluere possit ; et quod omnes trans- 
gressiones infra libemm Burgum suum 
facta, per eorumdem Burgensium 
consideracionem emendentur, sicut 
hactenus consuevit. Concessimus 
eciam eis, quod si aliquis eorum 
alicui infra burgum suum forisfecit, 
non ducatur infra portas Castelli, dum 
possit inuenire bonos et saluos plegios 
de stando juri, nisi pro transgressione 
pro qua plegiabilis non fuerit, et 
quamuis aliquis eorum, aliquem rem 
claro die coram vicinis suis emerit, et 
postea res ilia fuerit calumpniata 
tanquam furtina, non amittet nisi 
tantum rem illam, set iurabit cum 
Sacramento yicinorum suorum, quod 
nesciunt rem illam emisse de latroue, 
et quod nullus eorum cogatur ac- 
comodare balliuo suo, ultra duodecim 
denarios, nisi voluerit bona Toluntate 
sua: et quod nulla inquisicio de 
rebus forinsecis fiat per predictos 
Burgenses, set per libere tenentes 
patris, sicut hucusque fieri consueuit : 
et quod hec concessio nostra rata et 
stabilis, pro nobis et here^Jibus 
nostris, predictis Burgensibus nostris 
perseueret, hoc presens scriptum 
sigilli impressione duximus corro- 
borandum. Hiis testibus : Dominis 
Petro de Sabandia: Johanne filio 
Galfridi : Eble de Montibus : Wil- 
lielmo de Pennis : Michaele de 



heirs will cause the goods of the 
same to be confiscated, but their 
heirs shall wholly have them, so far 
as the said chattels shall appear to 
have belonged to the said deceased. 
We have also granted to our same 
Burgesses, that none of them shall 
within our power be molested for the 
debt of any his neighbour, unless he 
shall be a debtor or surety, and 
although a surety for anyone, he 
shall not be bound to pay while the 
debtor hath wherewith to pay ; and 
that all trespasses made within their 
free Borough shall be corrected, as 
hath been hitherto accustomed, by the 
deliberation of the same Burgesses. 
We have also granted them that 
if any of them shall forfeit to any 
one within their Borough, he shall 
not be confined within the gates of 
the Castle, while he can find good 
and safe sureties to abide by the 
law, unless for a trespass which is 
not bailable; and though any one 
of them shall in open day buy any- 
thing in the presence of his neigh- 
bours, and that thing be afterwards 
adjudged as stolen, he shall lose not 
only that thing, but he shall swear 
with the oath of his neighbours that 
they do not know that that thing 
was bought of a thief; and that 
none of them shall be bound to pay 
his bailifi^ more than twelve pence, 
unless of his own free will. And 
that no inquisition of things outside 
shall be made by the aforesaid Bur- 
gesses, but by the freeholders of the 
County, as hath hitherto been ac- 
customed to be done. And that this 
our grant to bur aforesaid Burgesses 

may continue firm and and sure for 
Us and our heirs, we have caused 
this present writing to be confirmed 
by the impress of our seal. These 
being witnesses: — The Lords Peter* 
of Savoy, John Fitzgeoffrey,' Eu- 
bule de Montibus,' William de Pen- 



12 



Previously annotated. 



90 



Fenis : Waltero de Merton : et 
multis aliis. 

Nos autem, predict am conces- 
sionem ratam habentes, et gratam, 
earn pro nobis et heredibas nostris, 
concedimus et confirmamus, sicut 
predicta carta rationabiliter testatur. 
Hiis testibus : Guidone de Lezine : 
Galfrido de Lezine, et Willielmo de 
Valencia, fratribus nostris : Petro 
de Sabandia: Arcaldo de Sancto 
Romano : Magistro lohanne Maun- 
sell : Willielmo de Gray : Waukelino 
de Ardern: Imberto Pugeis: Wil- 
lielmo Gernonum: et aliis. Datum 
per manum nostram, apud West- 
monasterium, quarto* die Februarii, 
anno regni nostri quadragesimo 
primo. 

Inspeximus eciam cartam, quam 

clare memorie Dominus Edwardus, 
quondam Rex Anglie, pater noster, 
fecit predictis Burgensibus, in hec 

yerba : — 

Edwardus, Dei Gratia, Rex Anglie, 
Dominus Hibernie, et Dux Aqui- 
tanie. Omnibus Balliuis et fideli- 
bus suis, ad quos presentes litter e 
peruenerint, Salutem. Cum Wal- 
lenses de Elued, Derles, Gwidigada, 
Iskennen, Mabathan, Cdmmod Per- 
yeth, et Hirewrin in penultima 
guerra Wallie, contra nos et pacem 
nostram existent es, et inimici^ re- 
bellibus nostris adherentes, saniori 
postmodum ducti, consilio ad pacem 
nostram venissent, et se et sua 
yoluntati nostre totaliter submisis- 
sent ; ac nos tunc, ad melioracionem 
yille nostre de Kaermerdyn, et ad 
securitatem et tuicionem parcium 
adiacencium, concessimus Burgensi- 
bus nostris, et omnibus aliis cuius- 
cumque condicionis fuerintde predicta 



nis,* Michael 4^ Fenis,* Walter de 
Merton,* and many others. 

We (Hen. 3rd) again having rati- 
fied and confirmed the aforesaid 
grant for us and our heirs, do grant 
and confirm it, as the aforesaid 
Charter reasonably testifies. These 
being witnesses : — Guy * of Lusignan, 
GeoflFrey* of Lusignan, and William* 

of Valence, Our brothers. Peter of 
Savoy ; * Arcald de Sancto Romano; ■ 
Doctor John Maunsell ; * William 
de Gray ; * Waukelin de Ardern ; 
Imbert Pugeys ; * William Gernon, 
and others. Given by our hand at 
Westminster, the fourth day of 
February in the 4 1st year of Our 
reign. [A.D. 1257.] 

We (Edward 2nd) have also ex- 
amined a charter which our father 
of illustrious memory the Lord Ed- 
ward, late King of England, made 
to the aforesaid Burgesses, in these 
words : — 

Edward (1st), by the grace of 
God,, King of England, Lord of 
Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, to 
all our Bailiff's and faithful sub- 
jects, to whom the present letters 
shall come. Greeting. Whereas the 
Welshmen of Elved,* Derllys,* Gwy- 
digada,* Iscennen,* Mallaen,* Pervedd 
Commot,* and Hirvryn,' being in the 
last Welsh war but one against us 
and our peace, and adhering to our 
enemies the rebels, being afterwards 
induced by sounder counsel, returned 
to our peace, and wholly . submitted 
themselves and theirs to our authority ; 
and We then for, the improvement 
of our town of Caermarthen, and 
for the security and defence of the 
adjacent places, granted to our Bur- 
gesses, and to all others of our 



* All these have been annotated. It may not be necessary to notice that in ancient 
times, those who were called *'Magister" had attained to some proficiency in science, 
especially in literature. John Mansell is therefore styled " Doctor ;" this word in 
our days is equivalent to " Magister." 

* In a treaty of peace for one year dated in July, 1260, between Henry III. and 
Prince Llewelyn ab Griffith of Wales, Imbert Pugeys's name appears as the King's 
Steward. 

* These are districtc in the present county of Carmarthen, and have been noticed* 



91 



villa nostra de Kaermerdyn et veteri 
Kaermerdyn, quod in boscis nostris 
de Mahathan, et omnibas aliis boscis 
dictonim Wallencium, tunc tanquam 
forisfactis in manu nostra existen- 
tibus, in quibus, propter eorum 
densitatem, depredaciones et homi- 
cidia frequenter perpetrabantur, li- 
beram haberent communiam. Ita 
quod in eis subboscum quercus aut 
maeremium et alias arbores succidere 
et asportare possent, et ipsos Bur- 
g-enses, per breve nostrum, dilectis 
et fidelibus nostris Willielmo de 
Valencia, Ayunculo nostro, et Pagano 
de Cadurcis, tempore illo locum 
nostrum in partibus illis tenentibus 
directam, in seisinam communie pre- 
dicte poni fecissemus. 

Nos factum nostrum predictum 
gratum et ratum habentes, Tolumus 
et concedimus pro nobis et beredi- 
bus nostris, quod predicti Burgenses, 
et omnes alii de villis predictis, et 
heredes et successores sui, percipiant 
et babeant predictam conmiuniam in 
boscis predictis. Ita quod subbos- 
cum, quercus, et maeremium, et alias 
arbores in eis, succedere et asportare 
possint, pro Yoluntate sua, absque 
occasione vel impedimento nostri et 
heredum nostrorum, Justiciorum, 
Yicecomitum, Balliuorum, seu minis- 
trorum nostrorum quorumcumque, 
imperpetuum. Inbibentes super 
grauem forisfacturam nostram, ne 
quis ipsos super communiam pre- 
dictam vt predictum est habenda 
in aliquo perturbare seu inquietare 



aforesaid town of Caermartben, and 
of Old Caermartben,* of whatever 
condition they might be, that they 
should have free common in our 
Woods of Mallaen, and in all other 
Woods of the said Welshmen, then 
being in our hands, forfeited as it 
were, in which robberies and murders 
were frequently committed, by reason 
of its thickness. So that they could 
fell and carry away the underwood, 
oak, or timber, and other trees in 
them. And we caused the same 
Burgesses to be put in possession 
of the aforesaid Common, by Our 
writ directed to our dear and faithful 
William de Valence, Our Uncle, 
and Payne de Chaworth, at that 
time our Lieutenants in those places. 
We, having ratified and confirmed 
our said act, will and grant for us 
and our heirs, that the aforesaid 
Burgesses, and all others of the 
aforesaid Towns, and their heirs and 
successors, shall take and have the 
aforesaid Common in the Woods 
aforesaid. So that, at their pleasure, 
they can fell and carry away the 
underwood, oak, timber, and other 
trees on the same, without hindrance 
or impediment from Us, our heirs, 

Justices, Sheriffs, Bailiffs, or Ser- 
vants whatsoever, for ever. For- 
bidding that any one, upon our grave 
displeasure, presume contrary to our 
aforesaid grant, to disturb or molest 
them in any wise upon the aforesaid 



* To persons now inhabiting this ancient town the distinctive names of Old and 
New Caermarthen may appear strange ; it will not, therefore, be considered irrelevant 
to state that formerly the town was so divided. The king's town of New Caermar- 
then was that part to the west of a line drawn through Little Water-street, and 
extending to the river. This portion was built within the town walls, and was 
governed by the Provosts and Bailiffs appointed by the English Prince of Wales as 
lord of the town. The other portion, or Old Caermarthen, extended from that line 
eastward until the river Gwily, and was under the government of the Prior of Caer- 
marthen, and his Provost and BailifE ; and in the assertion of his rights, he actually 
sent the Prince's Provost to prison, in Nov., 1353, for daring to come into his Old 
Town to collect tolls, and he justified his action by proving that he was lord of the 
old city, which had been given to his monastery by charter of Henry 11. The fore- 
going may indicate the reason why, even up to our days, a nominal mayor was yearly 
elected in Priory-street, and carried in procession throughout the town. It reflected 
the shadow of their past days. 



92 



presumat, contra concessionem nos- 
tram predictam. In cuius rei testi- 
monium has litteras nostras fieri 
fecimus patentes. Teste me ipso 
apud Kadewelly nono die Decembris, 
anno regni nostri terciodecimo. 
Nos autem concessiones et con- 

firmacionem predictas ratas habentes 
et gratas eas pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, quantam in nobis est, con- 
cedimus et confirmamus sicut Carte 
predicte rationabiliter testantur et 
prout ijdem Burgenses et eorum 

antecessores libertatibus predictis 
hactenus rationabiliter vsi sunt. 
Hiis testibus : Venerabili Patre W. 
Wigomiensi, Episcopo. Gilberto de 
Clare, Comite, Gloucestrie et Here- 
fordie. Adomaro de Valencia, Comite 
Pembrochie. Johanne de Britamer, 
Comite Richemundie. Hugone le 
Spenser. Henrico de Bello Monte. 
Edmund de Malo Lacu, Senescallo 
Hospicii nostri, et aliis. Datum per 
manum nostram apud Westmonas- 
terium tercio die Maij anno regni 
nostri sexto. 

Nos autem concessiones et con- 
firmaciones predictas ratas habentes 
et gratas eas pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, quantum in nobis est, con- 
cedimus et confirmamus, sicut carte 
predicte rationabiliter testantur, et 
prout ijdem Burgenses et eorum 
antecessores libertatibus predictis 
hactenus rationabiliter Tsi sunt et 
gavisi. ET CUM in dicta carta 
prefati Henrici Regis, progenitoris 
nostri, inter cetera contineatur, quod 
predicti Burgenses et eorum heredes 
imperpetuum, sint quieti de omnibus 
consuetudinibus per totam terram 
^nostram, et pretextu istorum verbo- 



common, held as aforesaid. In wit- 
ness whereof we have caused these 
our Letters to be made Patent. 
Witness Ourself at Kidwely the ninth 
day of December, in the thirteenth 
year of Our reign. [A.D. 1284.] 

We (Edw. 2nd) again, haying 
ratified and confirmed the aforesaid 
grants and confirmation, do for our- 
self and our heirs, as much as in 
us is, grant and confirm the same, 
as the aforesaid Charters reasonably 
witness, and as the same Burgesses 
and their predecessors haye hitherto 
reasonably used the aforesaid liberties. 
These being witnesses : the Vener- 
able Father, Walter,* Bishop of 
Worcester. Gilbert de Clare,* Earl 
of Gloucester and Hereford. Aymer 
de Valence,* Earl of Pembroke. 
John de Britanny,* Earl of Rich- 
mond. Hugh le Despencer.* Henry 
de Beaumont.* Edmund de Mauley,' 
Steward of our Household, and 
others. Given by our hand at West- 
minster, the third day of May, in 
the sixth year of our reign. [A.D. 
1313.] 

We (Edward 3rd) again, haying 
ratified and confirmed the aforesaid 
grants and confirmations, do for 
ourself and our heirs, as much as 
in Us is, grant and confirm as the 
charters aforesaid reasonably testify, 
and as the same Burgesses and their 
predecessors have hitherto reason- 
ably used and enjoyed the aforesaid 
liberties. And whereas in the said 
charter of our progenitor, the afore- 
said King Henry (3rd), it is among 
other things contained, that the 
aforesaid Burgesses, and their suc- 
cessors for ever, shall be quit of all 
customs within our kingdom, and 
under colour of those general words, 
the said Burgesses and their prede- 



* These have been noticed. 

* Edmnnd de Mauley lost his stewardship very shorfcly after this charter was 
granted ; in fact, the same year. It was discovered that the king's seal had been, 
counterfeited, and this Edmund was accused by a John de Redinges of having re- 
ceived from him forty *^ talents " of gold for the seal ; but Edmund was acquitted 
and John convicted. 



93 



mm generalium, dicti Burgenses et 
eorum antecessores a tempore con- 
feccionis carte illius semper hactenus, 
de muragio, pauagio, kaiagio, et 
killagio, de rebus bonis et merci- 
moniis, suis soluendis quieti esse 
consueuerunt ; cumque in dicta carta 
prefati Aui nostri, inter cetera 
similiter contineatur, quod idem 
Auus noster concessit predictis Bur- 
gensibus, omnes bonas leges et 
consuetudines, quibus tempore dicti 
Johannis Regis et predecessorum 
suorum Regum Anglie, vsi fuerunt 
et gauisi, ijdem que Burgenses et 
eorum successores, pretextu con- 
cessionis huiusmodi, emendas assise 
panis et ceruisie fracte, et assaiam 
mensurarum et ponderum infra Bur- 
gum predictum, a tempore confec- 
cionis carte predicte semper hactenus 
habuerint, sicut dicunt, et nobis sup- 
plicauerint, vt pro ipsorum Burgen- 
sium heredum et successorum suorum, 
securitate futuris temporibus, velimus 
dictas libertates eis per cartam nostram 
specificare. Nos ad melioracionem 
burgi predicti, et commoditatem 
Burgensium nostrorum eiusdem burgi, 
ut eo tranquillius negociacionibus 
suis intendere possint, Volentes eis 
in hac parte gratiam facere special em, 
per finem quem predicti Burgenses 
fecerunt nobiscum, concessimus eis, 
pro nobis et heredibus nostris, quod 
ijdem Burgenses et eorum heredes 
et successores, de muragio, pauagio, 
kaiagio, killagio, de rebus bonis et 
mercimoniis suis, per totum regnum 
et potestatem nostram, imperpetuum 

sint quieti; et quod ipsi et eorum 
heredes et successores habeant emen- 
das assise panis et ceruisie, in burgo 
predicto, fracte, et assaiam mensu- 
rarum et ponderum infra eundem 
burgum. Ita quod Senescalli et 



cessors were always hitherto accus- 
tomed to be freed from paying 
murage, payage, wharfage, and 
keelage, for their goods and wares. 
And whereas in the said charter 
of our aforesaid Grandfather (Edw. 
1st), it is among other things like- 
wise contained, that the same our 
Grandfather (Edw. 1st) granted, to 
the aforesaid Burgesses, all good 
laws and customs which had been 
used and enjoyed in the time of the 
said King John and his predecessors, 
Kings of England, and the same 
Burgesses and their successors, under 
colour of such grant, have, from 
the time of the making the charter 
aforesaid, always hitherto had, as 
they say, the correetion of the breach 
of the assize of Bread and Ale, and 
the assay of weights and measures 
within the aforesaid Borough, and 
they have petitioned us, that we 
will, for the security in future times, 
of the same Burgesses their heirs 
and successors, specify to them the 
said liberties by our charter. We, 
for the improvement of the aforesaid 
Borough, and the convenience of our 
burgesses of the same Borough, in 
order that they may the more easily 
carry on their traffic, willing in this 
behalf to do them special favour, 
have, for a fine on which the afore- 
said Burgesses have agreed with us, 
granted to them, for us and our 
heirs, that the same Burgesses and 
their heirs and successors, shall for 
ever be freed throughout our king- 
dom and power, from murage, pavage, 
wharfage, and keelage for their goods 
and wares ; and that they and their 
heirs and successors shall have the 
correction of the breach of the As- 
size of Bread and Ale in the afore- 
said Borough, and the assay of 
weights and measures within the 
same Borough. So that the Stewards 
and Marshals of our household, or 
of our heirs, or the Clerk of the 
Market of Us or Our heirs, Justices, 
or any other person whatsoever, 



94 



Marescalli de hospicio nostro, vel 
heredum nostrorum, vel clericus 
noster, vel heredum nostrorum, de 
Mercato, JuBticii, seu alius qui- 
cumque, ad assaiam huiusmodi men- 
surarum et ponderura, vel alia 
quecumque, que ad officium clerici 
de mercato pertinent, in burgo pre- 
dicto, facienda vel exercenda, decetero 
nuUatenus ingrediatur; hoc semper 
saluo quod Cancellarius noster et 
heredum nostrorum, qui pro tempore 
fiierit, cum in partes illas venerit, 
mensuras et pondera huiusmodi 
superuidere, et querelas omnium et 
singulorum se conqueri volencium 
trangressiones in hac parte si que 
fuerint iuxta eorum demerita punire 
ac clericus noster et heredum nos- 
trorum de mercato, in presencia 
nostra et heredum nostrorum, officium 
suum in dicto burgo exequi valeant 
€t exercere, prout antea fieri con- 
fiueuit. Et cum in dicta Carta 
prefati Aui nostri, contineatur quod 
nulla Inquisicio de rebus forinsecis 
fiat per predictos Burgenses, set per 
libere tenentes patrie, sicut hucusque 
fieri consueuit, Nos, de vberiori 
gratia nostra, concessimus pro nobis 
et heredibus nostris, prefatis Bur- 
gensibus, heredibus, et successoribus 
suis, quod ipsi, aut eorum heredes 
seu successores, decetero non ponan- 
tur cum hominibus forinsecis, seu 
forinseci cum ipsis, in assisis, iuratis, 
aut Inqiiisicionibus aliquibus, que 
ratione terrarum et tenementorum 
in eodem burgo aut libertate eius- 
dem existencium, vel trangressionum, 
contractuum, seu aliorum negociorum 
intrinsecorum in eodem Burgo, aut 
libertate eiusdem emerserint, capien- 
dis. Set assise ille iurate et In- 
quisiciones de seipsis Burgensibus 
et non aliis in eodem* Burgo solum- 
modo fiant et capiantur, nisi res ilia 
tangat nos vel heredes. nostros aut 
Communitatem eiusdem Burgi. Hiis 
testibus : Venerabilibus Patribus, J. 



shall henceforth in no wise enter 
to do or exercise in the Borough 
aforesaid, the assay of weights and 
measures, or other things whatever, 
which belong to the office of Clerk 
of the Market. Saving this always 
that our Heirs' Chancellor, for the 
time being, when he comes to those 
parts, shall have authority to survey 
such weights and measures, and on 
complaint of all and singular persons 
wishing to complain to him, to 
punish oflFences in this behalf, if any 
there be, according to their demerits. 
And the Clerk of the Market of 
Us or our heirs, shall in the 
presence of Us and our heirs, have 
authority to execute and exercise his 
office in the said town, as hitherto 
has been accustomed to be done. 
And whereas in the said charter of 
our aforesaid Grandfather (Edw. Ist), 
it is contained that no Inquisition 
of foreign things shall be made by 
the aforesaid Burgesses, but by the 
freeholders of the country, as thither- 
to had been accustomed to be done. 
We of our abundant grace have 
granted for ourselves and our heirs, 
to the aforesaid Burgesses, their 
heirs, and successors, that they, or 
their heirs or successors, shall hence- 
forth not be put with foreign men, 
or foreign burgesses taken with 
them, on any Assizes, Juries, or 
Inquisitions whatever which may 
arise by reason of lands or tenements 
being in the same borough, or the 
liberty of the same; or of trespasses, 
contracts, or other internal affairs 
within the same borough or the liberty 
of the same. But those assizes, 
juries, and inquisitions shall only be 
made and taken in the same borough 
from the Burgesses themselves and 
no others, unless that matter shall 
concern Us or Our heirs, or the 
Commonalty of the same borough. 
These being witnesses : The Vener- 
able Fathers, John,* Archbishop of 



* John de Stratford, D.C.L., was in 1318, appointed Lord High Treasurer by Edw. 
II., which office he held but for a short time. In 1323 he was made Bishop of 



95 



Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi tocius 
Anglie Primate. H. Lincolnensi et 
R. Dunolmensi, Episcopis. Henrico 
de Lancastria, Comite Derbie. Wil- 
lielmo de Bohun, Comite Nor- 
hamptonie. Henrico de Ferrariis. 



Canterbury, Primate of all England. 
Henry* of Lincoln, and Richard* 
of Durham, Bishops. Henry* of 
Lancaster, Earl of Derby. William 
de Bohun,* Earl of Northampton. 
Henry de Ferrers.* John D'arcy,* 



Winchester ; and in 1327, being again Lord Treasurer, brought a bill into Parliament, 
charging the king with indolence, incapacity, cowardice, cruelty, and oppression, 
and this in the presence of the younger Edward. John was then appointed one 
of three to go to Kenilworth for the purpose of inducing (!I) the old king to resign 
his crown. On the 28th Nov., 1331, Edw. III. made John keeper of the great seal, 
which (June 23rd, 1333) was given to his brother Robert's custody, as he was 
then employed in the king's business. In 1336, at .Edw. IIL's desire, John 
was raised to the archbishoprick of Canterbury; and in Nov., 1336, he held a 
convocation in London. He died in 1348 of that great and famous plague which 
desolated Europe. 

* Henry de Burghersh, consecrated Bishop of Lincoln in 1320, was one of the three 
bishops, mentioned in last note, sent to Kenilworth. Edward II. accounted this man 
one of his chief enemies. He was (12th May, 1329) appointed Lord Chancellor, 
which office he held until Nov., 1331. He also held the Treasurership of England 
during the periods 1327—1329, and 1336, 1337. He died about 1343. 

* Kichard Angerville, also called "De Bury," was bom in 1299 near St. Edmunds- 
bury. His father was knight of the same name. By his uncle. Sir John Willoughby, 
he was sent to Oxford, whence he was called to become tutor to young Prince Ed- 
ward of Windsor. Edw. II. sent him afterwards as Principal Receiver to Gascony ; 
and when the young Edward and his "beautiful" mother fled to France in 1325. 
and their means failed, Richard succoured them in their necessities. When the 
young prince as Edw. III. ascended his father's throne, he made Richard his CofEerer, 
Treasurer of the Wardrobe, and Lord Privy Seal, which last he held for 5 years. 
At the kingis wish he obtained in 1334 the Bishopric of Durham ; was appointed 
Lord Chancellor Sept. 28th, 1336 (which high office he relinquished on the 6th of 
June following) ; and Lord High Treasurer in 1337. In these years he was thrice 
sent to France to demand that langdom for Edw. III. He died at Auckland in 1345, 
and was buried at Durham, having been bishop of that see for 1 1 years and 2 months. 
His charity was unbounded, and his love of literature was so great that it was said 
he had more books than all the other bishops put together. 

* Henry "Grosmont" of Lancaster was eldest son of Henry, Earl of Lancaster, 
Derby, Chester, Lincoln, Leicester, and Provence (grandson of Henry III.), by Maud, 
daughter and heiress of Sir Patrick de Chaworth, Lord of Kidwely, in co. Caer- 
marthen, whom he married in 1298. On the 28th Dec, 1333, young Henry was 
granted by his father the castle and town of Kidwely, the territory of Carnwyllion, 
in Carmarthenshire, and some places in co. Monmouth. On the 16th March, 1337, 
he was created Earl of Derby, and advanced to be Duke of Lancaster, 6th March, 
1351. According to Froissart and Knighton he was a most accomplished warrior. 
He died of the plague, 24th March, 1360, at Leicester ; and by his Duchess Isabel, 
he left two daughters — Maud, who married Ralph, son of Ralph, Lord Stafford ; 
and Blanche, married to John of Ghent (4th son to Edw. III.), who became Duke of 
Lancaster. 

* William de Bohun (5th son of Henry de Bohun, VIII. Earl of Hereford and 
Essex, and Constable of England, by his Courtess Elizabeth, d. of Edw. I.) was 
created Earl of Northampton, 17th March, 1337. He excelled in military science, 
fought in Scotland and France, and took part in the battle of Creci. He died on 
Sept. 16th, 1360, and was buried to the north of the presbytery in Walden Abbey, 
in Essex. By his wife Elizabeth, widow to Edmund Mortimer, d. to Bartholomew 
Badlesmere, he left a son Humphrey, and a dau. Elizabeth, mar. to Richard, eldest 
son of Edmund, Earl of Arundel. 

* Henry de Ferrers, bom 1302,3, was son and heir to Sir William de Ferrers, knt. 
of. Groby, in co. Leicester (only bro. to Robert de F., last Earl of Derby of that 
name). He served in the continental wars of Edw. III., and died Sept. 16th, 1343, 
leaving, by his wife Isabel, dau. of Theobald de Verdon, a son, William, 13 years old. 

* John d*Arcy, a younger son to Norman d'Arci, was in his time a person of great 
action and eminence. On the 2lBt Aug., 1328, he was made Governor of Ireland, 



or, 



Johanne Darcy, Senescallo hospicii 
nostri, et aliis. Datum per manum 
nostrum, apud Westmonasterium 
quarto die Maij, Anno Regni nostri 
Anglie quarto decimo, regni vero 
nostri Ffrancie primo. 

Nos autem, omnes et singulas con- 
cessiones et confirmaciones predictas, 
ratas habentes et gratas, eas pro 
nobis et heredibus nostris, quantum 
in nobis est, prefatis Burgensibus 
dicte ville de Noua Kaermenlvn, et 
successoribus suis, de gratia nostra 
speciali, tenore presencium, concedi- 
mus et confirmamus imperpetuum, 
sicut dicta carta prefati aui nostri 
rationabiliter tostatur. 

Preterea, volentes eisdem Bur- 
gensibus gratiam in hac parte facere 
specialem, concessimus, et hac carta 
nostra confimiauimus, pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris, quantum in nobis 
est, eisdem Burgensibus, quod licet 
ipsi vel eorum predecessores, sea 
antecessores Burgenses eiusdem ville, 
aliqua vel aliquibus libertatum, seu 
qnietanciarum in dictis cartis conten- 
tarum, aliquo casu emergente, hac- 
tenus plene vsi non fuerint, ijdem 
tamen Burgenses et successores sui, 
liber tatibus et quiet anciis illis, et 
earum qualibet, exnunc plene gaudeant 
et vtantur, absque occasione vel im- 
pedimento nostri vel heredura nostro- 
rum, Justiciorum, Escaetorum, Vice- 
comitum, aut aliorum Balliuorum, 
seu ministronim nostrorum quorum- 
cumque,imperpetuum. CJousiderantes 
insuper, qualiter ijdem Burgenses 
nostri eiusdem ville et burgi de 
Noua Kermerdyn, dampna et op- 
pressiones quamplurima, que homines 
Wallenses ex eorum malicia, ante 
hec tempora, sepsius intulerunt mul- 



Steward of our Household, and 
others. Given by our hand at West- 
minster the 4th day of May, in the 
14th year of our Reign over England, 
but the 1st year of our Reign of 
France. [1340.] 

We [Rich. II.] again, having ratified 
and confirmed all and singular the 
grants and confinnations. Do, by the 
tenor of these presents, of our special 
grace, to the aforesaid Burgesses 
of the town of New Caermarthen, 
and their successors for ever, grant 
and confirm them for ourself and our 
Heirs, as much as in Us is, as the 
said Charter of our aforesaid great 
grandfather reasonably testifies. 

Furthermore willing to do special 
grace in this behalf to the same 
Burgesses, we have granted and by 
this our Charter have confirmed, for 
Us and our heirs, as much as in 
Us is, to the same Burgesses, that 

although they or their predecessors 
or ancestors. Burgesses of the same 
town, have not hitherto fully used 
any or either of the liberties or 
quittances contained in the said 
Charters, in any emergency, yet the 
same Burgosses and their successors 
shall henceforth for ever fully enjoy 
and use those liberties and quittances 
and every of them, without ob- 
struction or impediment of Us or 
our Heirs, Justices, Escheators, 
Sheriffs, or other our Baiiifi's or 
Servants whatsoever. Considering 
further how the same our Bur- 
gesses of the Town and Borough of 
New Caermarthen have very greatly 
suffered from the many damages and 
violence, which the Welshmen have 
aforetime, from tlieir malice, often 



tipliciter sunt perpessi, Ac volentes caused, and willing therefore of our 

and a second time its Justiciar. . He did good service in Ireland and Scotland, and 
while he was Steward of the King's Household was one sent to treat of peace with 
David Bruce of JScotland ; when filling the important office of Constable of the 
Tower, he as one was sent ambassador to France to demand that country for Edw. 
III. He married two wives — 1st, Emeline, dau. and heiress to Walter Heron, by 
whom he had 3 children — Sir John, born 1317, Eleanor, and Roger; 2nd, Joan 
(mar. at Maynooth, 3rd July, 1329), dau. of Richard Burgh, Earl of Ulster, by whom 
he had WUliam, born in 1330. He died 30th May, 1347. 



97 



proinde, tarn pro auxilio et releuamine 
dicte ville et Burgi de Noua Kaer- 
merdyn, quam pro commodo pace 
et qniete ipsorum Burgensium nos- 
trorum eiusdem ville, ex regia 
benignitate vberius pronidere, de 
auisamento et assensu concilii nostri, 
concessimus, et hac Carta nostra 
confirmauimus, pro nobis et heredi- 
bns nostris, quantum in nobis est, 
eisdem Burgensibus nostris, et suc- 
cessoribus suis, quod ipsi, de se ipsis, 
libere possint eligere vnum Maiorem 
et duos Balliuos, semel quolibet 
anno, videlicet, die lune proximo 
post festum Sancti Michaelis, qui 
statim cum in Maiorem et Balliuos 
sic electi fuerint, officia Maioris et 
Balliuorum ibidem debite faciant et 
exerceant, et inde corporalia prestent 
sacramenta. Et quod ijdem Burgen- 
ses heredes vel suocessores sui, nul- 
latenus convincantur nee indicentur 
in Comitatibus de Kermerdyn, Car- 
digan, nee in sessionibus nee in 
aliquibus aliis Curiis per aliquos 
* Wallices in aliquibus appellis nee in- 
dictamentis feloniarum,rectis, iniuriis, 
transgressionibus, criminibus, nee de- 
mandis, in ipsos impositis sen im- 
ponendis, nee in aliquibus aliis 
accionibus personalibus infra Comi- 
tatum de Kermerdyn et Cardigan 
emergentibus, sen alibi in partibus 
illis, preterquam Burgenses Anglicos, 
et vero Anglicos. Et insuper, quod 
eligere possint de se ipsis, quolibet 
anno, vnum Coronatorem ad diem 
predictum, qui, prestito sacramento, 
prout moris est, faciat et conseruet 
que ad officium Coronatoris pertinent 
in villa et Burgo predictis. 

Et quod ijdem Burgenses et suc- 
cessores sui, babeant retuma omnium 
breuium nostrorum et beredum nos- 
trorum, in omnibus placitis, per- 
sonalibus et realibus, et in omnibus 

aliis casibus de rebus infra dictam 
villam et Burgum emergentibus. 
Ita quod nullus Escaetor, vice-comes, 
uel alius Balliuus, nee Minister nostri 
13 



more abundant Royal Bounty to 
provide as well for the aid and relief 
of the said Town and Borough of 
New Caermarthen, as for the ad- 
vantage, peace, and quiet of our 
Burgesses of the same town, We, 
by the advice and assent of our 
Council, have granted, and by this 
our Charter have confirmed for us 
and Our Heirs, as much as in Us 
is, to the same Burgesses and their 
successors, that they, from them- 
selves, may freely elect a Mayor and 
two Bailiffs every year, to wit : On 
Monday next after the feast of St. 
Michael, who, immediately upon such 
their election to be Mayor and 
Bailiffs, shall take their corporal 
oaths, and shall duly perform and 
exercise the offices of Mayor and 
Bailiffs there. And that the same 
Burgesses, their heirs or successors, 
shall by no means be convicted or 
indicted in the Counties of Caer- 
marthen or Cardigan, nor in Sessions, 
nor in any other Courts, by any 
Welshmen, or any appeals or in- 
dictments of felony, rights, injuries, 
trespasses, crimes, or demands im- 
posed or to 'be imposed on them, 
nor in other personal actions arising 
within the Counties of Caermarthen 
and Cardigan, or elsewhere in those 
parts, except by English burgesses 
and true Englishmen. And further, 
that they from themselves may every 
year elect a Coroner on the afore- 
said day, who, having taken oath 
according to custom, shall, in the 
Town and Borough aforesaid, do 
and perform all things pertaining 
to the office of Coroner. 

And that the same Burgesses and 
their Successors shall have the re- 
turn of all the Writs of Us and 
Our Heirs in all pleas, real or per- 
sonal, and in all other cases concern- 
ing matters arising within the said 
Town and Borough. So that no 
Escheator, Sheriff, or other Bailiff 
or Servant of Us or Our Heirs shall 
in any wise enter or come into the 



98 



vel heredum nostrorum, infra dioiam 
villain et Burgum, nullatenus in- 
grediatur, nee se inde intromittat, 
ad aliquam execncionem ibidem fa- 
ciendam. Et insuper^ quod Comi- 
tatus de Kennerdyn et Cardigan, 
ac Sessiones magne et parve, que 
infra dictam villam et Burgum de 
Kermerdyn teneri solebant, exnunc 
teneantur ibidem imperpettuum, prout 
vsitari consueuit. Quare volumus 
et firmiter precipimus pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris, quod predicti Bur- 
genses dicte ville de Nona Kermer- 
dyn et successores sui, habeant et 
teneant omnia et singula libertates 
et priuilegia supradicta, eis que pa- 
cifice et quiete gaudeant et vtantur 
imperpetuum sicut predictum est. 
Hiis testibus : — Venerabilibus Patri- 
bus, A. Archiepiscopo Ebor, Anglie 
Primate; R. Londoniensi, J. Dunol- 
mensi, Thesaurio nostro ; W. Covent- 



said Town or Borough, to make any 
execution there. And further, that 
the County Courts of Caermarthen 
and Cardigan, and the great and 
petty Sessions, which were accus- 
tomed to be held within the said 
Town and Borough of Caermarthen, 
shall for ever henceforth be held 
there, as was accustomed to be used.* 
Wherefore We will and firmly 
command, for Us and Our Heirs, 
that the aforesaid Burgesses of the 
said Town of Caermarthen and their 
successors, shall have and hold all 
and singular the aforesaid liberties 
and privileges, and shall for ever 
enjoy and use them peaceably and 
quietly, as is aforesaid. These being 
witnesses : the Venerable Fathers, 
A.,* Archbishop of York, Primate 
of England; R.* of London; J.* 
of Durham, Our Treasurer; W.* of 
Coventry and Lichfield, Bishops. 



* The foregoing section was rendered nugatory by a grant of Hichard II. to the 
Cardigan burgesses, dated 22nd Sept., 1395. ' 

2 Alexander Neville, Archdeacon of Durham and Canon of York, was raised in 
1373 to be Archbishop of York. This man was accused by nobles and commons 
of flattering and pampering the dissolute Hichard II., the unworthy son of a noble 
father. In 1387, he was one that swore to the nobles that the king intended no 
treachery towards them, on their road to confer with him at Westminster, while at 
the very time an ambuscade had been prepared on their route, commanded by two 
knights. The bishop was that year banished ; and although the Pope elected him 
to the see of Saint Andrew in Scotland, he never attempted to place foot there ; but 
after serving as a parish priest in Louvain in France, he died there in 1392, and was 
buried among the Carmelite Friars in that place. 

* Robert Braybrooke, Dean of Salisbury, was promoted to be Bishop of London 
in 1381. On Saturday, the 23rd Feb., 1383, he was made Lord Chancellor, and had 
the Great Seal delivered him by the king himself, who considered he had met with 
an unscrupulous person. The tale is instructive, the former Chancellor, Sir Bichard 
Scrope, knt., had boldly refused to annex the Seal to all the grants of the infatuate 
king, who, after a refusal of Scrope's to resign it, went personally and obtained it. 
He kept it for some days, and himself sealed several patents, and then gave it to 
the bishop, who held it until the 13th of March following, being 18 days. He died 
in 1403. 

* John Fordham, Dean of Wells, was consecrated Bishop of Durham in 1381. In 
1386, he was appointed Lord Treasurer, but the Parliament removed him in the 
following year ; and in 1388, he was with others entirely removed from Court, but 
not sent to prison as many were. The same year, as Richard II. and his nobles had 
in a measure been reconciled, Fordham was translated to the vacant see of Ely, 
which he held until 1426, the apparent year of his death. 

* Walter Skirlaw, born in the parish of Swine, Holderness, co. York, was Dean 
of St. Martin's, when he was consecrated Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield in 1385. 
The next year he was translated to Bath and Wells, and in two years after he was 
again translated to the see of Durham, which he held until his death in 1406. He 
rebuilt the bridges of Shincliff, Yarrow, and Auckland, and was a benefactor in the 
way of building and repairing religious edifices. 



99 



rensi et Lichefeldensi, Episcopis; 
Thoma, Duce Gloucestrie; Roberto 
de Veer, Marchione Dublini, Comite 
Oxoniensi, Camerario Anglie; Mi- 
ch aele de Pole, Comite Suflfolcie, 
Cancellario nostro ; Johanne de 
Cobhamde Kent; Johanne de Monte 



Thomas,' Duke of Gloucester; 
Robert de Vere,* Marquess of Dub- 
lin, Earl of Oxford, Chamberlain of 
England ; Michael de la Pole,* Earl 
of Suffolk, Our Chancellor; John 
de Cobham* of Kent; John de 
Montacute,* Steward of Our House- 



* Thomas Plantagenet of Woodstock, Earl of Essex and Northampton, born 7th 
Jan., 1366, was 6th son of King Edw. III. When 21 years old he was made Con- 
stable of England, and at the coronation of his nephew, Rich. II. (21st June, 1377), 
was created Earl of Hereford. On the 12th Nov., 1385, he had the earldom of 
Albemarle, and was advanced to be Duke of Gloucester, to which a grant of £1000 
yearly was added. He took the people's part against the king's profligate favourites, 
especially Robert de Vere. He was chief of the 14 nobles commissioned to govern 
the country, who were summarily dismissed when Richard attained his majority. 
The king had long nourished secret revenge against Gloucester ; and in Nov., 1397, 
he deceitfully enticed him from his house, and on the road to London left him ar- 
rested by Thomas, Earl Marshal, who took him to Calais, where, by the king's 
orders, the marshal ordered Gloucester to be smothered, and was rewarded by the 
king's raising him to the dukedom of Norfolk. By his duchess, Alianore, d. of 
Humphrey de Bphun, he left a son, Humphrey, born in 1381 ; Ann, born 1380, mar- 
ried to Edmund, Earl of Stafford ; Joan died unmarried ; and Isabel, born 23rd 
April, 1384, who became a nun in the Minoresses, London. 

* Robert de Vere, born 1261-2, was son and heir to Thomas, Earl of Oxford, by 
Maud, dau. of Ralph de Ufford. Her mother was Maud, Countess of Ulster, sister 
to Henry, Earl of Lancaster. He was the great favourite of King Richard, who 
bestowed many castles, manors, and much wealth upon this Adonis; and created 
him Marquess of Dublin (1385), a title not previously known in England, 
and the same year made him Duke of Ireland. These honours excited the hate of 
the great body of the nobility, who knew they were more worthy than he to receive 
the like. Feeling elated, he discarded his fair young wife, Philippa, first cousin to 
his king ; for she was dau. to Ingelram de Guisnes, Earl of Soissons and Bedford, 
grandson to Leopold, Duke of Swabia, by his countess, the Lady Isabel, dau. to the 
noble King Edw. III., and he married a girl called " Lancecrona," who came over 
with Queen Anne from Boh,emia. The king cared not, but withdrew with him into 
Wales, whence they soon returned, as the nobles had risen. De Vere eventually 
escaped to France to avoid a charge of high treason ; so the Parliament confiscated 
all his property and outlawed him. In 1392, while hunting, a boar wounded him, 
and he died in Louvain. The silly king sent for his body in Nov., 1395 ; and after 
getting " a last fond look "as he lay in his cypress- wood coffin, re-interred him at 
Colne in Essex, the only mourners being himself and a good many bishops, but few 
of the nobles. He left no issue by either of his wives. 

3 Michael de la Pole, son of Sir William de la Pole, knt. banneret, Edw. IIL's 
"beloved merchant" (who resided at Kingston upon Hull), by his wife Katherine, d. 
of Sir John Norwich, knt., served in France and other places under noble com- 
manders. - In 1364 Edward raised him to the title of Baron de la Pole of Wingfield, 
in Suffolk. Richard II. (13th Mar., 1383) constituted him Chancellor and Keeper 
of the Great Seal ; and on the 6th of Aug., 1385, advanced him to the earldom of 
Suffolk, and granted him 1000 marks yearly. The Parliament of 1386 impeached 
him, confiscated his estates, and condemned him for frauds and misdemeanors ; he 
lost his chancellorship, but Richard condoned his offences. When the barons took 
to arms, Michael fled to Paris, and there died, Sept. 5th, 1388. By his wife Catherine, 
d. and h. to Sir John de Wingfield, knt., he left a son Michael, bom in March, 1367, 
and Anne, m. to Gerard, son of Warine, Lord L'isle. 

* Sir John de Cobham, knt. banneret. Lord Cobham, was son of Henry, Lord 
Cobham. He served Edw, III. and Richard IT. faithfully in the French wars and 
in embassies. Nevertheless, Richard, in the Parliament of 1397, caused this " good 
and upright old man" to be impeached and condemned. The king sent him prisoner 
to Jersey, but spared his life. He died Jan. 10th, 1408, leaving a grand-daughter 
Joan, who married her 3rd husband, the celebrated Sir John Oldcastle, knt. 

* Sir John de Montacute, knt. banneret. Lord Monthermer, was second son of 
William, Earl of Salisbury, Lord of Man and Denbigh, by his Countess Katherine, 



100 



Acato, Senescallo Hospitii nostri, et 
aliis. Datum per manum nostram 
apud Westmonasterium septimo die 
Julij, anno regni nostri, decimo. 

Inspeximus eciam quasdam litteras 
patentee Domini Edwardi nuper 
Regis Anglie proaui nostri, in hec 
verba: — 

Edwardus, Dei gratia, Rex Anglie, 
Dominus Hibernie et Dux Aquitanie, 
omnibus Ballinis et fidelibus suis in 
Wallia, ad quos presentes littere 
peruenerint, Salutem. Cum tempore 
Domini Edwardi, quondam Regis 
Anglie, patris nostri, anno regni sui 
tricesimo tercio, quando Princeps 
Wallie eramus, per ipsum pat rem 
nostrum et consilium suum ac nos- 
trum, pro e^iendacione et meliora- 
cione BuFgi nostri de Kaermerdyn, 
et aliorum Burgorum in Wallia, 
ordinatum esset, quod nullus in par- 
tibus vicinis Burgis nostris predictis, 
per quinque leucas in circuitu eorum- 
dem, emeret vel vender et mercimonia, 
quocumque nomine censerentur, nisi 
in ipsis Burgis, sub forisfactura 
mercimoniorum predictorum, per cer- 
tum balliuum nostrum, ad hoc 
specialiter deputandum, capiendorum 
ad opus nostrum, postquam eidem 
Balliuo constaret manifesto per se, 
vel per consideracionem Curie nostre, 
quod huiusmodi mercimonia emeren- 
tur, vel manifeste vendicioni expone- 
rentur, licet eciam non venderentur, 
exceptis hiis in locis per cartas 
privilegiatis, et exceptis pane et 
ceruisia in predictis Burgis in grosso 
emptis, que postmodum in patria 



hold, and others. Given by our 
hand at Westminster, the seventh 
day of July, in the 10th year of 
Our Reign. [A.D. 1386.] 

We [Rich. II.] have also ex- 
amined certain Letters Patent of 
our great grandsire, the Lord Ed- 
ward, late King of England, in these 
words : — 

Edward [II.] by the grace of 
God, King of England, Lord of 
Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, to 
all his Bailiffs and faithful Subjects 
in Wales, to whom the present letters 
shall come. Greeting. Whereas in 
the time of our father, the Lord 
Edward [L], formerly King of 
England, it was, in the 33rd year 
of his reign (when we were Prince of 
Wales) by our' same father, and his 
and Our Council, for the amendment 
and improvement of our Borough 
of Caermarthen, and of Our other 
Boroughs in Wales, ordained, that 
no one, in the parts adjoining our 
aforesaid borough, for five leagues 
in the circuit of the same, should 
buy or sell wares, by what name 
soever ithey might be designated, 
except in those boroughs, under for- 
feiture of the aforesaid wares by 
Our certain Bailiff, for this purpose 
specially deputed, to be taken to 
our use, when it should clearly ap- 
pear to the said Bailiff, by his own^ 
or by the consideration of Our 
Court, that such wares were bought, 
or clearly exposed for sale, although 
not sold, except those in places 
privileged by charters : and except 
bread and ale in the aforesaid 
boroughs bought in gross, which 
afterwards could lawfully be sold in 
the country by the buyers : except 
also meat and fish, cut cheese, eggs, 
poultry, and such saleable things y 



dan. to William de Grandison. He also served in the French wars ; and in 1381,. 
being Steward of the King's Household, was, with others, sent to conduct Richard'^ 
young wife, Queen Anne, into England. He died Feb. 25th, 1390, leaving by 
his wife Margaret, d. and h. of Thomas de Monthermer, three sons — Sir John 
(bom 1350), aiterwards Earl of Salisbury ; Thomas; Richard ; and four daughters — 
Alianore, Sibyl, Catherine, and Margaret. 



101 



per ementes licite vendi possunt; 
exceptis eciam carnibus, et piscibus, 
scissis caseis, ouis, puUanis, et huius- 
modi vendibilibus, cera tamen que 
pro sigillis, extra Burgos predictos, 
in grosso non venderentur ; et quod 
dicta ordinacio proclamaretur et 
publicaretur per Justicium nostrum in 
singulis curiis Burgorum, senescallo 
de Comito parcium illorum, quater 
in anno. Nos, volentes ordinacionem 
predictam firmiter et inuiolabiliter 
obseruari decetero et teneri, vobis 
mandamus, quod contra ordinacionem 
predictam nichil omnino attemptetis 
seu attemptari permittatis, quominus 
dicta ordinacio pro emend acione et 
melioracione Burgorum nostrorum 
predictorum, subforisfactura predicta, 
ad opus nostrum capienda, modis 
omnibus valeat obseruari. In cuius 
rei testimonium has litteras nostras 
fieri fecimus patentes. Teste meipso 
apud Westmonasterium tercio die 
Maij, anno regni nostri sexto. 
Nos autem concessiones et con- 

firmaciones predictas ratas habentes, 

et gratas, eas pro nobis et heredibus 

nostris quantum in nobis est, ac- 

ceptamus, approbamus, et nunc 

Burgensibus dicte ville de Nona 

Kaermerdyn et succe^soribus suis 

de gratia nostra speciali concedimus 
et confirmamus sicut Carte et littere 
predicte rationabiliter testantur, et 
prout ijdem Burgeuses et eorum 
antecessores, libertatibus predictis 
hactenus rationabiliter vti et gaudere 
consueuerunt. In cuius rei testi- 
monium has litteras nostras fieri 
fecimus patentes. Teste meipso 
apud Westmonasterium vicesimo 
quarto die Marcii, anno regni nostri, 
primo. 

Nos autem, concessiones, confirma- 
ciones, libertates, quietancias, fran- 
chesias et priuilegia predicta, ac 
omnia et singula in cartis et litteris 
predictis contenta, rata habentes et 
grata, ea pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, quantum in nobis est, ac- 



wax, nevertheless, for seals should 
not be sold in gross out of the afore- 
said boroughs ; and that the said 
ordinance should be proclaimed and 
published by Our Justice in every 
court of the Boroughs, to the 
Steward of the Commot of those 
parts, four times in the year. We 
[Edw. 11.] willing that the aforesaid 
ordinance be henceforth firmly and 
faithfully observed and kept, com- 
mand you that you neither do nor 
permit anything whatever to be done 
against the aforesaid ordinance, by 
which the said ordinance for the 
amendment and improvement of Our 
aforesaid boroughs, may in any way, 
be the less observed, under the for- 
feitures aforesaid to be taken for 
our use. In witness whereof. We 
have caused these Our Letters to 
be made patent. Witness ourself at 
Westminster the 3rd day of May, in 
the sixth year of Our reign. [A.D. 
1313.] 

We [Hen. IV.] again, having for 
ourself and our Heirs, as much as 
in Us is, ratified and confirmed the 
aforesaid grants and confirmations, 
Do accept, approve, and of our 
especial grace do now grant and 
confirm the same to the Burgesses 
of the said Town of New Caermar- 
then, and their successors, as the 
aforesaid Letters and Charters reason- 
ably testify, and as the same Bur- 
gesses and their predecessors have 
hitherto been reasonably accustomed 
to use and enjoy the liberties afore- 
said. In witness whereof We have 
caused these our Letters to be made 
Patent. Witness ourself at West- 
minster, the 24th day of March, in 
the first year of Our Reign. [A.D. 
1400.] 

We [Henry V.] again, having 
for ourself and our Heirs, as much 
as in Us is, ratified and confirmed 
the grants, confirmations, liberties, 
franchises, and privileges aforesaid, 
and all and singular contained in 
the aforesaid Charters and Letters, 



102 



ceptamus, approbamns, et nunc Bur- 

gensibus dicte ville de Kaermerdyn 

ac eorum heredibus et successoribus, 

tenore presencium, concedimus et 

confirmamus, prout carte et> littere 

predicte rationabiliter testantur, et 

prout ijdem Burgenses ac anteces- 

sores sui, Burgenses eiusdem ville 
de Kermerdyn, libertatibus, quietan- 
ciis, et franchesiis, et privilegiis 
predictis, hactenus rationabiliter vsi 
sunt et gavisi. In cuius rei testi- 
monium has litteras nostras fieri 
fecimus patentes. Datum sub sigillo 
nostro apud Manerium nostrum de 
Kenyngton, vicesimo octavo die 
Januarij, anno regni metuendissimi 
Domini et Patris nostri Regis supra- 
dicto quinto. 

Nos autem, donaciones, conces- 
siones, et confirm aciones, tam dicti 
Patris nostri, quam aliorum progeni- 
torum nostrorum supradictas, et 
omnia alia et singula in cartis et 
litteris predictis contenta, rata 
habentes et grata, ea pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris, quantum in nobis 
est, acceptamus, approbamus, ac 
dilectis nobis Majori, Ballivis, et 
Burgensibus dicte ville de Nona 
Kaermerdyn, et successoribus s^is, de 
gratia nostra speciali confirmamus, 
prout Carte et littere predicte rationa- 
biliter testantur. Preterea, volentes 
eisdem Maiori, Balliuis, et Burgensi- 
bus, gratiam in hac parte facer e 
vberiorem, concessimus, pro nobis et 
heredibus nostris, et hac carta nostra 
confirmauimus, quod licet ijdem 
Maior, Balliui, et Burgenses vel 
eorum predecessores, libertatibus, 
immunitatibus, sine quietanciis, . in 
cartis et litteris predictis contentes, 
vel earum aliqua, casu aliquo emer- 
gente, hactenus vsi non fuerint, ipsi 
tamen Maior, Balliui, et Burgenses, 
et successores sui, libertatibus, im- 
munitatibus, et quietanciis illis, et 
earum qualibet, decetero plene 
gaudeant et utantur, sine occasione 
vel impedimento nostri, vel heredum 



Do accept, approve, and do now 
grant and confirm them by the tenor 
of these presents, to the Burgesses 
of the said Town of Caermarthen 
and their heirs and successors, as 
the aforesaid Charters and Letters 
reasonably testify, and as the same 
Burgesses, and their predecessors, 
Burgesses of the same Town of 
Caermarthen, have hitherto reason- 
ably used and enjoyed the liberties, 
franchises, and privileges aforesaid. 
In witness whereof we have caused 
these Our Letters to be made Patent. 
Given under Our Seal at Our Manor 
of Kennington, the 28th day of 
January in the fifth year of the 
reign of our most dread Lord and 
Father, the King abovesaid. [A.D. 
1404.] 

We [Hen. V.] again, having for 

Us and Our Heirs, as much as in 
Us is, ratified and confirmed the 
gifts, grants, and confirmations, as 
well of Our said Father, as of 
our other Progenitors, and all and 
singular other things contained in 
the aforesaid Charters and Letters, 
Do accept, approve, and, of our 
especial grace, do confirm them to 
our dear Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
gesses of the said Town of New 
Caermarthen, and their successors, 

as the aforesaid Charters and Letters 
reasonably testify. Furthermore 
willing to do more abundant grace 
in this behalf to the same Mayor, 
Bailiffs, and Burgesses, We have, 
for Ourself and Our Heirs, granted 
and confirmed by this our charter, 
that, although the said Mayor, 
Bailifis, and Burgesses, or their 
predecessors, have not hitherto used 
the liberties, immunities, or quit- 
tances contained in the aforesaid 
Charters and Letters, or. any of 
them, on any emergency, nevertheless 
they, the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
gesses, and their successors, may 
henceforth for ever fully enjoy and 



103 



nostrorum, Justiciorum, Escaetonim, 
vice comitum, aut aliorum balliuorum 
seu Ministrorum nostrorum, vel 
heredum nostrorum quorumcumque, 
imperpetuum. Et vlterius, volentes 
eisdem Maiori, Balliuis, et Burgen- 
sibus, gratiam facer e ampliorem, 
concessimus, et hac carta nostra 
confirmauimus, pro nobis et heredibus 
nostris, quantum in nobis est, eisdem 
Maiori, Balliuis, et Burgensibus, 
quod ipsi vel eorum heredes, succes- 
sores seu assignati, tenentes aut resi- 
dentes infra villam predictam, aliquo 
tempore faturo nuUatenus convincan- 
tur, indictentur, nee adiudicentur, 
nee trahantur in responsum, nee in 
indicium nee aliquomodo impetan- 
tur, in aliquibus appelis, nee indicta- 
mentis prodicionum nee feloniarum, 
nee in trangressionibus,rectis, iniuriis, 
mesprisionibus, calumpniis, aut de- 
mandis quibuscumque, nee in ali- 
quibus aliis accionibus personalibus 
seu realibus, nee in aliquibus crimini- 
bus, emergentibus vel accidentibus 
infra Comitatum de Kaermerdyn et 
Cardigan, per aliquos forinsecos, set 
solomodo per homines meros Anglicos 
ville predicte, et non per aliquos 
homines Wallicos imperpetuum. 
Hiis testibus : Venerabilibus Patribus 
Thoma, Archiepiscopo Cantuarensi, 
tocius Anglie Primate, Consanguineo 
nostro. H. Wynton, Auunculo 



use those liberties, immunities, and 
quittances, and every one of them, 
without obstruction or impediment 
from Us or our Heirs, Justices, 
Escheators, Sheriffs, or other the 
Bailiffs or Servants of Us or our 
Heirs whomsover. And Further, 
willing to do more ample grace to 
the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
gesses, We, for ourselves and our 
Heirs, as much as in Us is, grant 
and by this Our Charter confirm 
to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
Burgesses, that they or their heirs, 
successors or assigns, tenants or 
residents, within the aforesaid Town, 
shall in no wise, in future, be con- 
victed, indicted, adjudged, or com- 
pelled to plead, or in any wise be 
impeached in judgment in any 
appeals or indictments of treason 
or felonies, or in trespasses, rights, 
injuries, misprisions, accusations, or 
demands whatsoever, or in any other 
actions personal or real, or for any 
crimes arising ox happening within 
the Counties of Caermarthen and 
Cardigan, by any foreigners, but 
only by true Englishmen of the 
Town aforesaid, and not by any 
Welshmen, for ever. These being 
witnesses : the Venerable Fathers, 
Thomas,* Archbishop of Canterbury, 
Primate of All England, Our Cousin. 
H.* of Winchester, our very dear 



* Thomas Fitzalan, archdeacon of Taunton, bom 1353, was 2nd son of Richard, 
Earl of Arundel, by his Countess Eleanor, d. of Henry, Earl of Lancaster. When 
21 years of age he was consecrated Bishop of Ely, and enthroned two years after. 
Godwin exclaims, "Annosum quemque virum facile credas gravissimum — cum jam, 
O capularem senem 1 setatis annum explevisset— /erg vicesimum secundum /" By virtue 
of the Pope's bull, he was in 1388 raised to the see of York, and in 1396 to the 
archiepiscopal see of Canterbury. He was 3 times Lord Chancellor and Keeper 
of the Great Seal ; viz., 24 Oct., 1387, till 4th May, 1389 ; 7th Sept., 1392, till 23rd 
Nov., 1397 ; and 30th Jan., 1407, till 1410. He was so active and busy in civil aflEairs 
that Richard II. banished him in 1396. The Pope expostulated ; but the king wrote 
to say that if the Pope had a mind to provide for him, he might, but he would not 
allow him to "dip in his dish." The archbishop carried the invitation to Henry of 
Lancaster to return and dethrone Richard, and that accomplished, he crowned Henry 
king. The Pope refused him a bull, which he earnestly asked for, to dig up Wick- 
liffe*8 bones, and bum them. This intolerant bigot, soon after he had excommuni- 
cated Lord Cobham, the Lollard, was seized with an inflammation of the throat, 
and he died on the 20th of February, 1413. 

2 Henry Beaufort, dean of Wells, was a legitimated son of John of Ghent, Earl of 
Richmond, and Catherine Swinford, afterwards his third wife. Educated at Oxford 
and Aix-la-Chapelle, he became Bishop of Lincoln in 1397, Chancellor of Oxford in 



104 



nostro carissimo, Cancellario nosfro. 
Th. Dunolmensi. N. Bathonensi et 
Wellensi. H. Meneaensi, Episcopis. 
Thoma Arundell, Thesaarario nostro. 
Ricardo Warrick. Consanguineis 
nostris carissimis, Comitatibus. Hen- 



Uncle and Chancellor. Thomas' of 
Durham. N.* of Bath and Wells. H.' 
of St. David's, Bishops. Thomas* of 
Arundel, Our Treasurer. Richard* of 
Warwick. Our dear Cousins, Earls. 
Henry Fitz Hugh,' Our Chamber- 



1399, and Bishop of Winchester in 1405. He was Lord Chancellor four times, viz., 
1404 till 1405, 1414 till 1417; 12th Oct., 1417, tiU 23rd June, 1418; and I6th July, 
1424, till March, 1426. In 1428, while in France, he received a cardinal's hat from 
the Pope. He lent £20,000 to Henry V. for his expedition into France. He had 
dissensions with the Duke of Gloucester, who in 1426, at the Parliament held in 
Leicester, exhibited 6 indictments against him, but he was acquitted. Again, he was 
one that accused the Duchess of Gloucester of treason, witchcraft, &c. The " good 
Duke Humphrey" died in arrest on the 28th of February, 1447, and the nation 
believed he was murdered. His old rival, our "Lord Cardinal," also died on the 
11th April the same year, "and made no sign." But the "sign" he made appeared 
in his will, by which the mass of his property was bequeathed for charitable pur- 
poses. 

' Thomas de Langley, dean of York, was elected Bishop of Durham in 1406. He 
held the high office of Lord Chancellor twice; viz., from 1405 till 1407 and from 
23rd June, 1418, until 1424. He was twice sent on an embassy to France, and died 
in 1424. 

2 Nicholas Bedwith, prebendary of Salisbury, was Master of the Bolls from 24th 
Sept., 1401, till March 2nd, 1404. He was also Keeper of the Privy Seal. He 
was made Bishop of London in 1406, Lord Treasurer for a short time. Bishop of 
Salisbury in 1407, and Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1408. He died in 1425. 

* Henry Chickley, D.C.L., archdeacon of Salisbury, was bom at Higham Ferrers, 
in CO. Northampton. Being Chancellor of Salisbury, his talents were brought under 
the notice of Henry IV,, who employed him ; and while on an embassy to the Pope, 
was by his holiness's hand consecrated Bishop of St. David's, at Sienna, in 1407. 
•He received the temporalities April 3rd, and the spiritualities August 26th, 1408. In 
1409 he was deputed by the English clergy to the council of Pisa. He and the Earl 
of Warwick were in 1413 sent by Henry V. on an embassy to the French king; and 
when Thomas Fitzalan died in 1414, he was translated to the archbishopric of Canter- 
bury. He built All Souls College, Oxford, and, enjoying the respect and esteem of 
the people, he died in 1443. 

* Thomas Fitzalan, earl of Arundel, was son of the executed Earl Richard, by his 
Countess Elizabeth, dau. of William de Bohun, earl of Northampton. He was 
restored in blood and made K.B. in 1399 by Hen. TV. Henry V., in 1413, made him 
Constable of Dover Castle, Warden of the Cinque Ports, and Treasurer of England. 
He died 13th Oct., 1415, leaving no issue by his wife Beatrix (married 26th Nov., 
1414), nat. dau. of John Nothusj son of Pedro the Cruel, king of Portugal-. 

* Richard Beauchamp, K.G., earl of Warwick, bom Jau. 28, 1381, was son to Earl 
Thomas, by the Lady Margaret, dau. of William, Lord Ferrers of Groby. This war- 
like and accomplished man had a wish to travel. So in 1408 he crossed to Paris, 
and through Verona to Rome ; back to Venice and thence to Jerusalem ; again to 
Venice, and thence through Germany, Prussia, Westphalia, Poland, Lithuania, and 
Russia. He returned to England in Sept., 1410. His services and fidelity were so 
conspicuous that Henry V. in his will gave him the tutelage of his infant heir till 
he would be 16 years of age ; but when Henry VI. was 14, the earl was relieved and 
sent to France as its Regent. He continued in that high office until his death, April 
30th, 1439. By his first wife Elizabeth, d. and h. of Thomas, Lord Berkley, he left 
3 daughters; by his second wife Isabel, dau. of Thomas le Despenser, Earl of 
Gloucester, he left a daughter and his heir Henry, who was christened on Saturday, 
24th Mar., 1424, by a Caermarthenshire man, Philip Morgan, Bishop of Worcester, 
Cardinal Beaufort and Humphrey, Earl of Stafford being his godfathers, and his 
godmother, Joan, Lady Abergavenny. 

* Sir Henry Fitzhugh, knt, was son of Henry Fitzhugh, by his wife Joan, dau. 
of Henry, Lord Scroop of Masham. He acted as commissioner in treaties between 
England and Denmark, and England and Scotland; and for the coronation of 
Hen. V. was advanced to be Constable of England, The following year, 1414, was 
made Lord Chamberlain, which office he held for several years. He fought bravely in 



105 



Tico Fitz Hugh, Camerario nostro. 
Thoma Erpyngham, Senescallo hos- 
picii nosfri, militibiis : et Johanne 
Prophete, Custode priuati sigilli, et 
aliis. Datum per manum nostram 
npud Westmonasterium octavo die 
Junii, anno regni nostri, primo. 
No8 autem cartam predictam ratam 

habentes et gratam, earn de auisa*- 
mento magni consilii nostri, quantum 
in nobis est, acceptamus ratificamus 
et confirmamus prout carta predicta 
tationabiliter testatur, et prout ijdem 
Burgenses et predecessores sui liber- 
tatibus et quietanciis in eadem carta 
contentis hucusque iuste et rationa- 
biliter vsi sunt et gavisi. In cuius 
etc « . Teste Bege apud Westmonas- 
terium XV ;; die Decembris; 

Per breve de priuato Sigillo. 



lain. Thomas Erpjmgham,* Steward 
of Our Household, Knights. And 
Doctor John Prophet, Keeper of 
Our Privy Seal, and others. Given 
by our hand at Westminster, the 
8th day of June, in the first year 
of our reign. [A.D. 1413.] 

We [Hen. vl.] again, having 
ratified and confirmed the aforesaid 
Charter, Do, by the advice of Our 
High Council, accept, ratify, and 
confirm it, as much as in Us is, 
as the aforesaid Charter reasonably 
testifies, and as the same Burgesses 
and their predecessors have hitherto 
justly and reasonably used and en- 
joyed the liberties and franchises 
contained in the same Charter. In 
witness, etc*. Witness the King 
at Westminster, the 15th day of 
December. [A.D. 1422.] 

By Writ of Privy Seal. 



the French wars, travelled twice to Jerusalem and once to Cairo, and died on the 11th 
Jan., 1425. By his wife Elizabeth, dan. and sole h. to Sir Robert Grey, knt. [bro. 
and heir of Lord Marmionj, he had eight sons— Sir William (bom 1399), Sir John; 
Robert, bishop of London; John, ob. inf.; Henry, drowned; Ralph, slain; Herbert, 
ob. inf. ; Richard, ob. inf. ; and five daughters. 

* Sir Thomas Erpingham was one of the 16 lances that embarked with Henry of 
Lancaster in 1399 to dethrone Rich. II. He was in that year made Constable of 
DovCT Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports for life. This was followed by his 
appointment to be Lord Chamberlain ; and in tie 3rd year of Hen. IV., he was made 
goardian of the king's son, Thomas of Lancaster. In the 5th year, he was of the 
King's Privy Council as Steward of ihe Household ; and Henry VL in his 1st year 
confirmed the grant to him of many manors. According to Shakespeare, Henry V. 
was very partial to his steward, and addresses him, " Good morrow, old Sir Thomas, 
a good soft pillow for that good old head were better than a churlish turf of 
France." 



U 



106 



PATENT ROLL. 32nd ELIZABETH, A.D. 1590, PT. 25, 

MEM. 10. 



Donacones sibi et heredi- ^ ^^ 
bus pro Johanne Perrott > ^f Jttttt* 
Milite. j Hec Li- 

dentnra facta inter excellentissimam 
Principem et Dominam, Dominam 
Elizabeth, Dei Gratia, Anglie, 
Francie, et Hibemie, Beginam, fidei 
Defensorem, etc*- ex vna parte, et 
Johannem Perrott, militem, vnum 

de priuato Consilio sao, ex altera 
parte, Testatur, qnod cum prefata 
Domina Regina per literas suas 
patentes, gerend' datum nono die 
Julii anno regni sui vicesimo quinto, 
concesserit, tradiderit, et ad firmam 
dimiserit prefato Johannis Perrott, 
per nomen Johannis Perrott, militis, 
Rectorias suas trium ecclesiarum 
in Wallia, vocat' Llanelthi, Llan- 
deyallock, et Pembray cum omnibus 
proficuis, decimis, oblaconibus, terris 
glebalis, fructibus, mortuariis, cum 
omnibus aliis obuenconibus, et como- 
ditatibus predictis tribus Rectoriis 

sire ecclesiis, aut eorum alicui 
pertinentibus, sive spectantibus, tunc 



}glti 



Grant to Sir John Perrott,* 

Knight, and his Heirs, f # tl I S 
Indenture made between the Most 
Excellent Princess and Lady, the 
Lady Elizabeth, by the grace of God, 
of England, France, and Ireland, 
Queen, Defender of the Faith, etc.,- 
of the one partj and John Perrott, 
Knight, one of her Privy Council, of 
the other part, Witnesseth, that 
whereas the aforesaid Lady the 
Queen by her letters patent, bearing" 
date the ninth day of July, in the 
twenty-fifth day of her reign [1583], 
had granted, given, and demised to 
the aforesaid John Perrott, by the 
name of John Perrott, Knight, her 
Rectories of three churches in Wales, 
called Llanelly, Llandefaelog, and 
Pembrey, with all profits, tithes, 
oblations, glebe lands, fruits, mortu- 
aries, together with all other offerings 
and emoluments, to the said three 
Rectories or Churches or to any of 
them pertaining or belonging, now 
or of late in the tenure or occupation 
of William Morgan or his assigns. 
Always however excepting to the 
aforesaid Lady the Queen, her heirs 



' Sir John Perrott was bom in 1627, and when 18 years old was sent to the Marquis 
of Winchester in London, who then was Lord Treasurer. He is described as being 
tall and stout, exceeding ordinary stature, with auburn hair and piercing eyes. His 
reputed father was Thomas Perrott, of Haroldston, whose wife, Mary, daughter and 
sole heiress of James Berkeley, Esquire of the Body to Henry VII., is said to have 
been Henry VIII.'s " familiar." At the coronation of Edward VI., John Perrott was 
made a Knight of the Bath. When Queen Mary ascended the throne, Sir John was 
sent to the Fleet prison for entertaining heretics in his house in Wales, but afterwards 
made his peace, and Mary granted him Carew Castle. In 1572 he was appointed 
President of Munster, and suppressed the Irish rebels. From 1583 to 1688 he was 
Lord President of Ireland; after he had returned, he was accused of high treason by 
Sir Christopher Hatton, and condemned. The Queen swore that " the jury were all 
knaves," and they delivered it with assurance, that on his return to the Tower, he said 
with oaths and fury to the Lieutenant, Sir Owen Hopton, " WhatI will the Queen 
suffer her brother to be offered up as a sacrifice to the envy of my strutting adver- 
saries ? " which being made known to the Queen, and the warrant of his execution 
tendered, and somewhat enforced, she refused to sign it, and swore he should not die, 
for he was an honest and faithful man ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ He died suddenly in the Tower 
in September, 1592. It may not be amiss to add that Sir John^s mother, when she 
became a widow, married Sir Thomas Johnes of Abermarlais, in Carmarthenshire. 



107 



vel nuper in tenura sive occupacone 
Willielmi Morgan sire assignatorum 
saorum, Exceptis tamen semper et 
prefate Dotnine Kegine, heredibns 
et successoribus suis, omnino reser- 
yatis, adyocationem et presenta- 
tionem predictis yicariis predictarum 
trium ecclesiarum quociens et quan- 
documque yacare contigerint, Que- 
quidem premissa nuper spectabant 
et pertinebant nuper Collegio Novi 
operis Leicestrie. Habend* et Tenend' 
omnia ei» singula premissa cum 
suis pertinenciis prefato Johanni 
Perrott et assignatis suis vsque 
ad finem termini triginta annorum 
incipiend' a data predicte Indenture, 
si quidem alius terminus annorum 
quern quidam Bobertus Christmas 
tunc habuerit de et in premissis 
yigore cuiusdam dimissionis dicte 
Domine Regine per Indenturam 
datam vltimo die Noyembris, anno 
regni sni octayo, prefato Roberto 
Cliristi](ias et assignatis suis inde 
factam pro termino viginti ynius 
annorum tunc determinat' existit. 

Jam prefata Domina Regina pro 
et in consideracone boni, veri, et 
fidelis seryicii per prefatum Johan- 
nem Perrott, militem, dicte Domine 
Regine antehac impens', de gracia 
sua speciali ac ex certa sciencia 
et mero motu suis, dedit, conces- 
sit, et confirmavit, ac per presentes, 
dat, concedit, et conSrmat prefato 
Johanni Perrott, militi, heredibus 
et assignatis suis, imperpetuum, 
predictas Rectorias suas predictarum 
trium Ecclesiarum in Wallia pre- 
dicta, Yocatur Ll^melthi, Llande- 
vallock, et Pembray, cum omnibus 
predictis proficuis, decimis, obla- 
conibus, terris glebalis, fructibus, 
mortuariis, cum omnibus aliis obyen- 
conibus et comoditatibus, predictis 
tribus Rectoriis sine Ecclesiis aut 
eorum alicui pertinentibus sine spec- 
tantibus, modo vel nuper in tenura 
predicti Willielmi Morgan sine as- 
signatorum. Exceptis tamen sem- 
per et prefate Domine Regine, 



and successors, the full right oi 
adyowson and presentation to the 
aforesaid vicarages of the aforesaid 
three churches as often as and when- 
soever they should happen to become 
vacated, which certain premised 
rights recently belonged and apper- 
tained to the late College of new 
structure (?) at Leicester. To 
haye and hold all and singular 
the premises with their appurten- 
ances, to the aforesaid John Perrott 
and his assigns, until the expiration 
of a term of thirty years commenc- 
ing from the date of the aforesaid 
Indenture, as soon as a certain other 
term of years (which Robert Christ- 
mas had of and in the premises by 
the authority of a certain dimission 
of the said Lady the Queen, by an 
Indenture dated the last day of 
November, in the eighth year of her 
reign, and made to the aforesaid 
Robert Christmas and his assigns, 
thence forward for the term of 
twenty-one years) should cease and 
determine. 

Now the aforesaid Lady the 
Queen, for and in consideration of 
the good, true, and faithful service 
in times past, performed by the said 
John Perrott, Knight, for the said 
Lady the Queen, She, of her special 
grace, certain knowledge and mere 
motion, has given, granted, and con- 
firmed, and by these presents, gives, 
grants, and confirms for ever to the 
aforesaid John Perrott, Knight, his 
heirs and assigns, her aforesaid 
Rectories of the aforesaid three 
churches in Wales aforesaid, called 
Llanelly, Llandefaelog, and Pembrey, 
with all the aforesaid profits, tithes, 
oblations, glebe lands, fruits, mortu- 
aries, together with all other offerings 
and emoluments to the aforesaid three 
Rectories or churches or either of 
them, appertaining or belonging, now 
or lately, in the tenure of the afore- 
said William Morgan or his assigns. 
Always however saving both to the 
aforesaid Lady the Queen and her 



108 



/p^y 



heredibas et snccessoribas suis, 
omnino reservatis adyocaconem et 
presentaconem predictis ricariis pre- 
dictaram trinm ecclesiamm et earum 
cuiuslibet quocies et quandocamque 
vacare contigerint. 

Habend' et Tenend' predictas 

Rectorias predictamm triam Eccles- 
iarum in Wallia predicta vocatur 
Llaneltbi, Llandevallock, et Pem- 
braye predict*, cum omnibas pre- 
dictis proficuis, decimis, oblaconibns, 
terris glebalis, fructibus, mortnariis, 
obyenconibas, ac cum omnibus pre- 
missis Buperius concess', et predictis 
tribus Eectoriis sine ecclesiis, aut 
earum alicui pertinentibus universis 
(exceptis prie except') prcfato 
Johanni Perrott, militi, heredibus, 
et assignatis suis imperpetuum, ad 
solum et proprium opus et vsum, 
prefati Johannis Perrott, militis, 
beredum et assignatorum suorum 
imperpetuum, in feodum firma Te- 
nend' predictas Rectorias et cetera 
premissa cum pertinentibus de pre- 
fata Domiua Regina yt de bonore 
suo de Kydwelley in Wallia predicta 
in jure Ducat' sue Lancastrie per 
fidelitatem tantum in libero soccagio, 
et non in capite. Ac reddendo 
annuatim prefate Domine R^ne 
beredibus et Buccessoribus suis, pro 
omnibus premissis snperius, per 
presentes concess', Centum et yi- 
ginti quatuor libras le^^s monete 
Anglie, yidelicet. Centum et quatuor 
libras de antiqua firm', et yigi&ti 
libras jam de noyo incremento, ad 
festam Annuncionis beate Marie et 
Sancti Micbaelis, Archangeli, per 
equalis porconibus annuatim soluend' 
imperpetuum. 

In cuius rei, etc.*^ Teste Regine 
apud Westmonasterium secundo die 
Marcij. 

Per breye de priuato Sigilk), ©kc». 



beirs and successors, the full right of 
adyowson and presentation to the 
aforesaid Vicarages of the aforesaid 
three churches, and to any one of 
them as often as and wheusoeyer they 
may happen to become yacant. 

To haye and hold the aforesaid Rec- 
tories of the aforesaid three churches 
in Wales aforesaid, called Llanelly, 
Llandeyaelog, and Pembrey as afore- 
said with all the aforesaid profits, 
tithea, oblations, glebe lands, fruits, 
mortuaries, ofiferings, and with all 
the premises as aboye granted, and 
to the aforesaid three Rectories or 
churches or to any of them apper- 
taining or belonging, with all their 
rights, members, and appurtenances 
without exception (excluding as 
aboye excluded) to the aforesaid 
John Perrott, Knight, his heirs, and 
assigns for eyer, to the sole and 
special use and behoof of the afore- 
said John Perrott, Knight, his heirs 
and assigns for eyer, in fee absolute. 
To hold the aforesaid Rectories and 
the other premises with their appur- 
tenances of the aforesaid Lady the 
Queen as of her Honor of Kydwely 
in Wales aforesaid, in the district of 
Her Dutchy of Lancaster, by fealty 
alone in free socage, and not '' in 
capite." And rendering annually 
to the said Lady the Queen, her heirs 
and successors, for - all the above 
premises granted by these presents, 
One hundred and twenty-four pounds 
of legal English money, to wit. One 
hundred aikd four pounds of ancient 
rent, and twenty pounds furthermore 
of new increase, to be for eyer paid 
at the feast of the Annunciation of 
the blessed Virgin and at that of 
Saint Michael the Archangel, in 
equal parts annually. 

In Witness whereof, ^c. Witness 
the Queen at Westminster, the 
second day of March. 

By "Writ of Priyy Seal, &c.